About Quote by Peter Singer
“All I say about severely disabled babies is that when a life is so miserable it is not worth living, then it is permissible to give it a lethal injection. These are decisions that should be taken by parents - never the state - in consultation with their doctors.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Practical Ethics by Peter Singer, 1979
The quote argues that ending the life of severely disabled infants can be morally permissible when their existence is deemed unbearable, and that such decisions belong to parents and doctors, not the state.
In simple terms: If a life is unbearably miserable, ending it may be morally allowed, decided by parents and doctors.
Key Takeaway
Consider parental and medical authority in end‑of‑life choices.
Themes
ethics
disability
life
death
parental rights
Mood
thoughtful
serious
controversial
Type
ethical
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- neonatal care decisions
- palliative care policy
- parent‑doctor consultations
- legislative debates on euthanasia
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
moral permissibility
medical ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we define “unbearable” suffering?
- What safeguards protect vulnerable individuals?
A Different Perspective
The stance may overlook the rights of the disabled and societal biases against disability.
![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
