Utilitarianism

For today's post, I am going to be very academic and use some terms I learned in an ethics class I took at Santa Clara (Hi Dr. McLean!). Here in Cebu City, and probably the rest of the Philippines, life is rough for about 95% of the population. Clean water is scarce. Men urinate in the streets. Stray animals roam the roads. Diet has inflicted high blood pressure, diabetes and malnutrition in many. Above all, life is lived in the sweltering heat and diarrhea and subsequent dehydration is the leading cause of death for children.

All of this being said (and seen) what are well-intentioned and educated Americans such as Hilary and David to do? Their fair skin and blond hair makes them look angelic to the people. The fact that Hilary has saved many lives in the clinic and helped deliver so many babies reinforces the savior aspect they exude around Filipinos. Filipinos often see these Americans as "God-sent" and will vocalize their respect.

For Hilary and David, the challenge has been to remain utilitarian in their goals and objectives at Glory Reborn. In order to help as many women and families as they can, they cannot help pay for complicated procedures and surgeries for those who need it. They must adhere to the greatest good for the greatest number of people and let those who are beyond their budget and scope go.

Hilary explained to us how difficult it was for her to realize this. Due to malnutrition, lack of education, lack of family planning and poverty, many women birth babies who are compromised in one more organ system. After Hilary has gotten to know the woman throughout the pregnancy, she would like to help pay for the procedures, blood transfusions, tests, surgeries etc. After spending nearly half a year's budget on one patient, she and David had to face the reality of their purpose in the Philippines; to help as many women as possible have safe, healthy pregnancies, labors and babies. In doing so, they cannot sponsor surgeries and expensive procedures for babies or mothers that really need it. Hilary has seen many babies die but in the end she has seen more live than die. It's a hard pill to swallow but in such desperate countries such as the Philippines you have to do what you can and realize that it won't be everything.