Ethics Question

[Strawberry7]

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Hi all,

I ran into this question about parents refusing to treat a child's club foot b/c their culture viewed the club foot as a blessing.

My understanding is that physician's can get a court order to override parental objections in life or death situations. I don't know much about club feet, but what if refusing the treatment will lead to permanent disabilities?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

 

[ChiapetBrownie]

I think the response to a situation like that depends on the severity of the condition that is in question. I think earlier this year, or some time last year two parents were charged because their child died after they failed to seek out medical treatment (here's a link http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way...lose-second-child-after-refusing-medical-care) . They turned to religious counsel instead. If a physician had been aware of the child's condition, that would have been a situation for a physician to override the parental rights.

But for a club foot? Not so sure.

 

[BlackBox]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it must be corrected.

Here's my reasoning- a physician's responsibility resides with the patient, not the parents. If the condition can lead to future medical problems, it is in the best interest of the patient to "fix" it. Remember, future medical problems can include poor quality of life with possible depression, not to mention developmental issues associated with changes in posture.

Just a thought...

 

[AxiomaticTruth]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it must be corrected.

Here's my reasoning- a physician's responsibility resides with the patient, not the parents. If the condition can lead to future medical problems, it is in the best interest of the patient to "fix" it. Remember, future medical problems can include poor quality of life with possible depression, not to mention developmental issues associated with changes in posture.

Just a thought...

Ah but remember each and every procedure has a monetary cost as well as a risk of complications. If we force this upon children, who's going to pay for it if the parents object? What if the child gets a complication has to amputate it even if it was 100% not the doctor's fault, could the parents sue because if they had their way the child would grow up with both legs intact, albeit with one slightly off? Should we force children to get cochlear implants over the objections of deaf parents?

"Poor quality of life" is very vague too. Keep in mind club foot is on the spectrum of things not a big deal. When the child grows up he can decide to fix it then with no change in risks, probably even lower risks! It's not like vaccinations where they can save lives.