THE PRICE OF PERSONHOOD

Sally has just been born. She is unable to see or hear because her brain is so badly damaged. She will never be able to understand anything - never be able to think at all. She will have no quality of life. There is no cure.

You are the doctor.

Her parents are Catholic and believe in the sanctity of life. They plead with you to keep treating Sally. It is your choice.

To look after Sally will cost the hospital $5000 a day and if she ever goes home it will cost $2000 a day. The state would have to pay for this; and it would mean that other patients may not be helped or get less help because resources are limited.

What do you do?