Ishibashi: Parental Decision Making

Question 1

Case with 13 yo child with rhabdomyosarcoma. The parents do not want the child to know her diagnosis or prognosis. She undergoes a biopsy, but her parents want her to just think she’s having a “scan.” Think about the ethical issues surrounding this case.

Answer 1

Is it right to withhold all information from the child?
Is it probable to avoid telling the child she has cancer when so many people are involved in her care?
Why are the parents withholding the information?
What if the child asks the doctor questions?

Question 2

Case with 10 yo Amish girl, whose parents decided that she should not continue chemotherapy, because it was making her ill. Think about the ethical issues surrounding this case.

Answer 2

Is it a parent’s fundamental right to make decisions for their children?
Who can best decide what is in a child’s best interest?
Decisions not in the best interest of the child might need to be challenged.

Question 3

Case with 15 yo male with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Parents decided to pursue alternative treatments after first round of chemo. Judge ruling said that alternative treatment alone = neglect. Ultimately, a law was instituted that says that teenagers & parents can seek alternative therapy for a life threatening condition, bc the child is at least 14yo and can make an informed medical decision.

Answer 3

15 yo old enough to make his own decisions?

Abraham’s law

Question 4

What is Abraham’s law?

Answer 4

Teenagers and their parents can refuse recommended medical treatment and seek alternative therapy for a life threatening condition