THE GREATER GOOD

 

THE GREATER GOOD By Anne O'Meara March 1, 2022 How do you measure the life of one person against the greater good? Can it ever be the right thing to sacrifice an innocent person? And how do you know what the greater good really is?                                                                                                                        ― Amy Engel, The Book of Ivy In an update posted to their website, ICAN (Informed Consent Action Network) reveals the heart-breaking story of Tanner Donaldson. Tanner, a nine-year old boy who has been battling kidney disease for four years, is now entering stage five of the disease. Providentially, Tanner’s father, Dane, is a perfect match to donate one of his kidneys, yet Tanner’s chance at living a full life is being put at risk by a new hospital policy. Despite having previously approved Tanner’s kidney transplant, the Cleveland Clinic for Bioethics reversed course because Dane is not vaccinated for COVID-19.  The Donaldsons have sincerely held religious beliefs against receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, and are also concerned about their efficacy and potential harm they could cause. Furthermore, since Dane has already had COVID-19, ICAN argues that his natural immunity is far superior to any immunity a vaccine would provide. Cleveland Children’s Hospital appears willing to sacrifice the health of a nine-year-old patient in exchange for what it perceives to be the “greater good.” The Greater Good is also known as the politician’s dodge, the murderer’s solace, the culprits excuse and several other metaphors, because it is like a scapegoat they run to every time they make a decision that affects many in a harmful way, claiming that it will benefit many others. (Source: What is the greater good concept? philosophy-question.com) Tanner is having what may be his only chance at living a full life put at risk by an arbitrary hospital policy. This leads me to wonder why the phrase “for the greater good” frequently seems to precede a great evil. ICAN has urged the hospital to cease its attempt to coerce Tanner’s parents into making an impossible choice.  Read ICAN’s letter to the hospital here. HALO’s Speaker’s Library Are you looking for a powerful prolife speaker for your next event? Be sure to check our HALO’s Speaker's Library! HALO partners with a variety of life-affirming speakers who address a wide range of topics. If you are interested in featuring one or more of our speakers at your event, please e-mail feedback@halovoice.org or call 1-888-221-4256, ext.1. Want to Help HALO and be a Voice for the Medically Vulnerable?   DONATE NOW   Thank you for your support! Our organization is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.   If you would like to donate through the mail, please send checks only to: HALO, 7301 Bass Lake RD, Minneapolis, MN 55428. MISSION STATEMENT The Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership Organization (HALO) is a voice for the medically vulnerable. As a non-profit, Christian organization, HALO addresses a wide array of ethical issues including euthanasia, assisted suicide, rationing of medical services, and hastening of death in healthcare settings. In addition, HALO promotes life-affirming healthcare practices, life-protective advance directives, and compassionate care for the sick and those nearing the end of their lives. In all circumstances, HALO espouses in healthcare practice the sanctity and integrity of every human person. HALO accomplishes its mission through intercessory prayer; widespread education; community awareness and assistance programs; interaction with patients, families, and caregivers; and referrals to appropriate resources when necessary. *"Life-affirming healthcare" is defined as medical care in which the paramount principle is the sanctity of life, which means that the life and safety of each person come first and each person receives medical care across their lifespan based on their need for care and never with an intention to hasten death, regardless of their abilities or perceived "quality of life."