This paper looks upon the case of Amish midwifes through the lens of utilitarian theory of ethics. The main tenets of this theory state that the correctness of any action should be viewed on the basis of its circumstances. Thus, it is essential to determine whether an action brings joy and happiness to the individuals concerned or sorrow and fear. The action is judged as positive if its results entail the growth of positive emotions. Wise versa, the action is judged negatively if its results entail sinister feeling and events. What is more, it should be noted that the happiness and sorrow in this context are applied not only to the people directly involved in the case but to a larger social layers or groups.
The case ‘Amish wives’ discusses the situation when Amish women, unwilling to give birth to their babies in a hospital due to their religious tenets, ask midwifes to assist them in labor. The midwifes are usually unlicensed women who deliver children without usual medical interventions performed in hospitals. Since the midwifes services are unlicensed many people argue that the practice should be banned. The utilitarian theory suggests that first of all the results of the actions should be considered to determine the level of happiness they generate.
In this particular case, it is known that a relatively small number of complications in terms of a mother’s and baby’s health occur due to this practice. Thus, “there is evidence from the study of old-world Amish showing that rates of infant mortality in these communities are on par with the outcomes produced by other medical institutions” (Amish midwifes). Moreover, most of Amish mothers find the practice helpful and worthy since they are not ready to entrust the process of birth to medical institutions. The number of mistakes is relatively small, and though each erroneous case calls for particular consideration, in general, the practice produces more happiness than sadness. What is more important, while criticism is heard from some members of community, it is essential that the majority of Amish people are in favor of the practice – a criterion considered by the utilitarian theory as defining for the correctness of the action. Thus, according to the utilitarian theory of ethics, the practice when unlicensed midwifes assist in labor to Amish women should not be banned, since it generates more happiness than unhappiness.