11 June 2025

On 6 June, I wrote about the case of Dorothy Readhead who died as a consequence of medical malpractice. The operation went wrong  when medics tried to achieve their goal through a blockage in one of her legs. Despite knowing about the blockage they persisted with what reviewers called a ‘have a go’ mentality.

There are three concerning moral issues. Firstly, the truth was deliberately concealed. The actual cause of death was not included on Mrs. Readhead’s death certificate. The ninth commandment has to do with concealing the truth. ‘You shalt not bear false witness against your neighbour.’ It was broken.

Secondly, at the critical moment when progress was impeded, there was the opportunity to acknowledge the mistake. Instead, the sanctity of Mrs. Readhead’s life was sacrificed on the team’s fear of being humiliated. She, like the rest of us, was made in the image of God.

Thirdly, the operating team and, in fact, the Hospital Trust denied there had been any wrong doing by deliberately concealing the truth of their mistake from the family. Their conception of doctors did not allow for the existence of their frail humanity and so humility failed to be nurtured within them!

This is only one scenario which lays bare the poverty of a world which has disregarded the precepts and values of the Christian Gospel. It has built its contemporary society on a disregard for the truth, a disrespect for the sanctity of life and a disturbing view of humanity which needs no salvation.

The Christian faith is very clear about the sanctity of life and the fallenness of human beings. Whilst we bear God’s image, we are not perfect. All have fallen short of the glory of God. Humility is our watchword and grace our benefit. We pursue the truth as it is presented to us in the person of the living Christ.

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