Two infants, same prognosis, different parental preferences

Pediatrics. 2015 May;135(5):918-23. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-4044. Epub 2015 Apr 6.

Abstract

A central principle of justice is that similar cases should be decided in similar ways. In pediatrics, however, there are cases in which 2 infants have similar diagnoses and prognoses, but their parents request different treatments. In this Ethics Rounds, we present such a situation that occurred in a single NICU. Three physician-ethicists analyze the issues.

Keywords: Amish; ethics; palliative care; religion; tracheoesophageal fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bioethical Issues*
  • Esophageal Atresia / complications
  • Esophageal Atresia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Parents*
  • Prognosis
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / complications
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / therapy*