Acrania is a rare fetal condition characterized by a partial or complete absence of the calvarium (skull bone) with complete brain development (Amin et al., 2009). In this article, we discuss the question: is acrania compatible with life?
Let’s begin by contemplating the biological essence of the term “Life.”
What is life?
“Life” refers to the state of being alive, existing as a living organism. It encompasses the characteristics of growth, development, responsiveness, and the ability to sustain vital processes.
An unborn baby with a severe handicap and a tiny chance of survival at birth still fulfills the definition of life for several reasons:
State of Being Alive:
Even in the womb, the unborn baby is considered a living organism. It possesses the fundamental characteristics of life, such as cellular organization, metabolism, and the ability to grow and develop. Despite the severe handicap, the baby exhibits the essential biological processes that define life.
Growth and Development:
The unborn baby undergoes growth and development throughout the pregnancy, even with a severe handicap. While the pace and pattern of growth may differ from those without such conditions, the baby’s cells divide, tissues form, and organs develop, adapting to their unique circumstances.
Responsiveness:
The unborn baby exhibits responsiveness to various stimuli within the womb. They can react to touch, sound, and other sensory inputs. This responsiveness reflects the baby’s capacity to perceive and interact with its environment, albeit in a limited manner.
Vital Processes:
The unborn baby sustains vital processes necessary for life, including respiration, circulation, and nutrition, facilitated by the placenta and umbilical cord. Although their ability to sustain these processes may be compromised, the fact that they are present and functioning to some extent indicates the continuation of vital life functions.
The mother’s body provides a nurturing environment for the unborn baby, ensuring the continuation of vital processes necessary for life. Through the placenta and umbilical cord, the mother facilitates the supply of oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies to the baby, supporting their growth and development. The mother’s body also helps in removing waste products and regulating various physiological functions, contributing to the overall well-being of the unborn baby.
In this symbiotic relationship, the mother’s body acts as a lifeline for the baby, compensating for their physical limitations and aiding in the maintenance of essential life functions. The mother’s body adapts to provide the necessary support, often working tirelessly to sustain the life of her unborn child.
Your baby is alive, even with acrania and anencephaly
While the severe handicap and the low chance of survival at birth present significant challenges, they do not negate the fact that the unborn baby fulfills the basic criteria that define life. The definition of life encompasses not only the outcomes or abilities associated with optimal health but also recognizes the inherent biological processes and characteristics of being alive, which can persist even in the presence of severe limitations.
Another definition of life
From times to times one can see people who judge the value of life with criteria based on mental and physical abilities, as well as achievements. In this view, babies with severe handicaps and a short life expectancy tend to not fulfill these criteria. Due to their mental and physical conditions, these children are not capable of doing many mundane things. In fact, in severe cases, the child can be totally dependent on your family. That’s the reality.
However, it is crucial to recognize that defining life solely based on mental and physical abilities, as well as achievements, is really an incomplete and ethically problematic approach.
These criteria are subjective
The criteria of life value based on mental and physical abilities, as well as achievements, are subjective in nature.
Each person has his or her own personal preferences, perspectives and priorities when it comes to determining the value of their own lives or the lives of others. What one person may consider essential or valuable may not be the same for another. Personal experiences, histories and unique circumstances shape these individual perspectives reinforcing the subjectivity of the criteria.
It may happen that spouses agree on almost everything, whereas disagree on a few things that really matter. The husband’s definition of life value may differ significantly from that of his spouse and vice-versa.
Here are a few reasons why one’s view on value of life is so personal, thus subjective:
Personal Values and Beliefs:
Each individual has their own set of values and beliefs that shape their perspective on what gives life value. These values can be influenced by cultural, religious or personal factors. Spouses may prioritize different aspects such as family, career, personal growth or spiritual fulfillment when evaluating the value of life.
Individual Experiences and Perspectives:
Each person has unique life experiences that shape their worldview and priorities. Spouses may have gone through different challenges, successes, or personal transformations that affect their perception of what makes life valuable. These distinct perspectives can result in varying criteria for assessing life value.
Goals and Aspirations:
Spouses may have different aspirations and goals in life. One partner may prioritize career success and financial stability, while the other may prioritize personal relationships or community involvement. These divergent goals can lead to differing criteria for evaluating the value of life.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment:
Each spouse may have their own understanding of personal growth and fulfillment. They may evaluate the value of life based on their ability to develop and pursue their passions, contribute to the world, or find meaning and purpose in their existence. These subjective measures of fulfillment can lead to varying criteria for assessing life value.
It is important to recognize that the criteria for evaluating the value of life are deeply personal and can differ significantly between spouses.
Personally I think one should not feel obligated to change their personal view on the value of life solely to please their spouse. One can change a lot of things for the spouse. However, changing one’s core values is very different. It’s important to think many times before such a decision against what one truly cares believes because that will have significant effects on the rest of his or her life.
These criteria are not clear
The criteria of life value based on mental and physical abilities, as well as achievements, are subjective in nature. When relying on such criteria, several important questions emerge, highlighting the complexity of this approach.
Firstly, one must consider which specific criteria will be used to determine whether a person’s life is deemed worth living. Defining precise criteria for mental and physical abilities can be challenging. For instance, when assessing the value of a child’s life, what level of physical strength must they possess to be considered of value? Is there a specific threshold of intelligence that needs to be met? What specific capabilities must the child demonstrate?
These questions highlight the difficulty of establishing objective standards for life value based on mental and physical abilities. Each person is unique and possesses their own individual strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Placing arbitrary limits on what qualifies as valuable mental or physical abilities fails to account for the rich diversity and potential that exists within humanity.
Moreover, determining life value solely based on achievements raises further subjective considerations. What kind of achievements should be prioritized? Is it only the accomplishments that align with societal norms or specific fields of endeavor? By emphasizing certain achievements, we risk disregarding the value of personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the ability to positively impact others, which may not be easily quantifiable or visible.
Attempting to establish clear-cut criteria for life value based on mental and physical abilities oversimplifies the complexity of human existence. It fails to consider the vast range of human experiences, talents, and contributions that extend beyond the narrow confines of measurable achievements. Human worth should not be reduced to a checklist of predetermined attributes, as it is the unique combination of qualities, relationships, and personal growth that make each life valuable.
One will not meet his own criteria, sooner or later
Furthermore, it is inevitable that sooner or later, a person may not meet their own criteria of life based on mental and physical abilities, achievements, or other subjective standards. Aging, diseases, or accidents can significantly impact a person’s capabilities and abilities, making it difficult or impossible for them to fulfill the criteria they may have set for others, in this case the children with severe handicaps. Here are arguments supporting this perspective:
Human life is inherently vulnerable and subject to change. Aging is a natural process that affects everyone, leading to a decline in physical and cognitive abilities over time.
Additionally, life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change in an instant. Regardless of how well someone meets their own criteria in the present moment, unforeseen events or health conditions can rapidly alter their capabilities. Diseases and accidents can occur unexpectedly, drastically altering a person’s capacities. These factors highlight the fragility and impermanence of any criteria based solely on abilities or achievements.
Conclusion
A person’s worth and the value of their life cannot be reduced to their mental and physical abilities or achievements. This narrow definition excludes individuals with disabilities or those who may not meet certain societal standards of success. It disregards the intrinsic value and dignity that every human being possesses, irrespective of their capabilities.