SLED — D: Degree of Dependence does not determine human value

Mike argues that dependence on others does not diminish human value. A newborn is 100% dependent on caregivers minutes after birth — that dependence does not make killing the infant permissible. Elderly people dependent on pacemakers or Medicaid are not less valuable. He uses the example of a paraplegic 12-year-old boy who is totally dependent on his mother — she cannot kill him because of that dependence. Degree of dependence is not a morally relevant criterion for the right to life.