Case Study 2-Ethics

docx

School

Doane University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5302

Subject

Medicine

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by savannahstewart2

Running head: CASE STUDY 2 1 Ethics, Disagreement, and Medically Treating Children Savannah Stewart Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center HPHA 5302

CASE STUDY 2 2 Ethics, Disagreement, and Medically Treating Children The textbook describes many different types of medicine, including alternative and complementary medicine, compared to traditional western medicine. This can include things from chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, faith based healing, eastern medicines, etc. Many Americans use complementary medicine alongside traditional medicine and has shown to be beneficial (Weiss & Copleton, 2021). As Americans we have the right to choose the type of care we receive, but when these beliefs involve critically ill children, there comes a point when ethical and legal decisions need to be made. As adults, we have the right to make decisions regarding our medical care and appoint other to make decisions for us when we can no longer make decisions for ourselves. However, children are usually not able to make these complex medical decisions for themselves, so this responsibility falls to the parents. In most cases, parents care the most for their children and can decide what is best for them, but when decisions of parents stand in the way of life-threatening circumstance or critical illness, legal action can and should be taken (Black, 2006). Parents have a legal obligation to make decisions that keep their child from harm, but at what point do their choices indicate they are unable to make decisions in their child’s medical care? Generally, there are two reasons why a parent may choose not to allow their child to receive traditional medical care—religious beliefs and non-religion related reasons. Religious objections are more of a gray area, in my opinion. Refusing certain treatments and medical care due to religious beliefs have long withheld standings in the Supreme Court. Because freedom of religion is part of the First Amendment, it is more likely that these objections will be accepted by the courts. In the Newmark v. Williams case, a child was diagnosed with lymphoma with a 40 percent survival rate and the parents elected not to seek medical care in favor of religious

CASE STUDY 2 3 healing. This belief was challenged and was then determined that the parents were within their rights because of their religious beliefs and the child’s chance of survival (Black, 2006). In my opinion, I don’t necessarily think legal action should be taken against parents in circumstances of religious objections (in most cases). The other type of reason a parent may refuse typical care is for non-religious reasons. This could include things like fear or risks, overall neglect, and other things that could cause harm to the child if treatment is not received. Non-religious cases are more easily overturned by the courts compared to religious cases (Black, 2006). The state can and should intervene in situations where a parents denies a critically ill child life-saving care. In some cases, refusing life-saving care can be considered neglect and criminal charges can be pressed on the parent(s). If convicted, this could mean fines, probation, mandatory parenting classes, and even prison time. Visitation access can be lost or reduced. In extreme cases, custody can also be lost temporarily or even permanently. I agree with these state interventions and think if a child needs life-saving measures, but their parents deny them of this care, legal action should be taken (Goldstein, 2021). Alternative medicine can be helpful in some cases, but I do not think it should be the only mode of treatment for critically ill children. Medical providers should try to educate the patient and/or parents and keep everyone updated on the treatment plan. Overall, I do think parents need to be held accountable legally for their choices, especially when their child requiring life-saving care. However, I do think it should be handled on a case by case basis, and religious objections should be handled wearily.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

CASE STUDY 2 4 References Black, L. (2006). Limiting parents' rights in medical decision making. AMA Journal of Ethics , 8 (10), 676–680. https://doi.org/10.1001/virtualmentor.2006.8.10.hlaw1-0610 . Goldstein, S. (2021, January 29). When can parents deny medical care to children - lawinfo . Insurance Law. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/insurance/health-insurance/when-can-a-parent-deny- medical-treatment-to-a.html Weiss, G. L., & Copelton, D. A. (2021). The sociology of Health, healing, and illness (10th ed.). Routledge.

Case Study 2-Ethics

Related Documents