Chapter 14

Question 1

Baby Doe regulations

Answer 1

states receiving federal $ for child abuse programs must report medical neglect
- withholding tx (unless baby is comatose or tx is “virtually futile”) - child’s QOL is NOT a valid reason

purpose: ensure that handicapped infants receive all potentially efficacious life-saving tx w/o consideration of QOL

Question 2

standards for medical decision-making in pediatrics

Answer 2

parents and families

• can determine moral status of infant (is it wanted “person”?)
• knowledgeable/interested in child - most likely to best make decisions for them
• bears consequences of decisions

1. relevant knowledge/info regarding medical facts, prognosis, family setting
2. impartiality - how to expect/achieve
3. emotional stability
4. consistency

decision must benefit the well-being of the child!