The Value of Life
Across the UK people have been gathering to applaud NHS workers living in their neighbourhoods. In normal times it is easy enough to complain about perceived short-comings in health care but at such a time as this we recognise the risks that doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical professionals must undertake. Some are making the decision to carry on caring even though they have not been provided with adequate personal protective equipment, knowing full well what could happen to them as a result. A growing number have lost their lives to the covid-19 virus, paying "the ultimate price" whilst trying to save the lives of strangers. When we describe a self-sacrificial death as a "price" or "cost" we recognise that the life laid down has value. But why are medical heroes willing to do this? Is it not because they feel that every life is worth saving, if at all possible? Think of the terrible decisions that have to be made because there are ...