“If this policy saves even one life...”

“If this policy saves even one life, then it was all worth it.”

“No, if this policy saves only one life while having massive negative consequences for many people, then we should find a more effective policy.”

* * *

That's an imagined dialogue I just made up, not quoting anyone in particular. And here’s a relevant article. Excerpt:

When politicians say, “If it saves just one life,” they can appear to care deeply while simultaneously absolving themselves of the responsibility of crafting a rational response to a difficult issue. It allows them to trade on emotions instead of facts.