[Ethical problems in extreme prematurity].

Abstract

I examine the question whether it is always morally obligatory to sustain the life of a premature infant and come to the conclusion that this is not the case. Touching on questions concerning the value of life, I argue that it is not always in a premature infant's best interests to have its life sustained. I sharply distinguish my patient-centered perspective from that of the Nazis. Finally, I raise the question of how a premature infant should be treated when the decision has been made to allow it to die.