What is the best course of action for a pregnant woman in need of chemotherapy?

[DrPiano]

With all respect to Reginal Plum in this recent question, I’m not sure he answered the question being asked. The poster described a situation where both the woman and baby would die if the women didn’t receive chemotherapy (without it she would NOT get far enough in her pregnancy to deliver a child that could survive), but chemotherapy at best causes MASSIVE birth defects and at worst would cause the death of the child. Most, if not all physicians, refuse to give chemotherapy to a pregnant woman for these reasons. I understand the principle that one cannot do something which is intrinsically evil (abortion) but one can do something that does both good and harm as long as the harm is not intended (principle of double effect). Using these guidelines, what would the Catholic Church recommend for this woman?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

You are correct: the question was not answered. The principle of double effect can apply here. Stage four cancer is often terminal. But even if she had a milder form of cancer, she could still use the treatment for the reasons you give. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla chose not to, but she could have. (See: wf-f.org/StGianna.html)

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.