RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Why should the baby live? Human right to life and the precautionary principle JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP e6 OP e10 DO 10.1136/medethics-2012-100735 VO 39 IS 5 A1 Benedetto Rocchi YR 2013 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/39/5/e6.abstract AB This paper discusses the issue of ‘post-birth abortion’ from an applied perspective. Three hypothetical situations where a newborn considered as a ‘potential person’ is at risk of being killed are proposed to highlight the potential controversial outcomes of post-birth abortion. The internal consistency of the argument proposed by Giubilini and Minerva to morally justify newborn killing is contested as well. Finally, an alternative moral strategy based on the precautionary principle and excluding any distinction between potential and actual persons is proposed as rational.