Journal ofmedical ethics, 1984, 2, 82-87 Killing and allowing to die in medical practice

This paper examines some ofthe issues related to the distinction between acts and omissions. It discusses the difficulties involved in decidingwhether there is any moral significance in this distinction, particularly when it is applied to cases which involve killing or allowing to die. The paper shows how this problem relates to some ofthe current issues in medical ethics. It examines the issues raised by the widely publicised cases ofselective treatment ofhandicapped children and argues that such decisions are taken and have to be taken in the context ofwider ethical theories. Most people do not consider themselves responsible for evils which they did not actively or intentionally bring about. This attitude is reflected in mora