THE WORTH OF YOUTH

A JAR OF HEARTS BROKEN

• Should one conjoined twin die at the cost of another?
• Talmud, you should either let both babies die or save the stronger of the 2.
• It is very likely that the weaker one will die or live a less plentiful life.
• From our perception, it is better to let the stronger one live
• If you do not let one live, then the consequences will be more fatal.

CONTINUED

• Fatal, meaning both will die
• 2nd Talmudic source: Each life has an infinite value
• Thus saving one baby is more beneficial than allowing both to die
• What are your thoughts?
• Is it better that both babies die so they are equal?

SIAMESE

• First article: Two babies died by one soothing the other
• The other passed away 15 minutes later
• Both shared a heart, but they were only expected to live a year
• Though, they died at 7
• Relates to the 1st Talmudic source

THE END OF THE LINE

• Is it right to kill a baby in order to save many lives?
• This ties back to the Talmudic source that each life has infinite value
• Bible: Allow one to die to save the money
• In our perspective, letting the baby die is a reasonable choice
• Because the quantity is significantly lesser

RABBI EFRATI

• R. Efrati disagrees, he states that an innocent life should not be taken in order to save others.
• He believes that killing the baby would be selfish and inhumane.
• Maimonides and Rambam state if the baby is likely to die, then they should be killed.