Ethical Dilemmas In Children
Ethical Paper
The ethical dilemma of an adult refusing care for a child based upon religious beliefs is at the forefront of religious freedom versus patient rights. The issue becomes if and when the government may intervene on behalf of the child in life-saving situations when a parent or guardian cites religious or other beliefs against such action. This paper will detail the ethical dilemma of others refusing care for a child based upon religious beliefs and discuss the pros and cons of both views. The paper will then describe the potential impact to care involved in a practice setting. Finally, the paper will cite two professional journal articles related to the ethical problem and summarize the discussion content.
Freedom of religion …show more content…
The article points out that “Most states have religious exemptions to child abuse and neglect laws with those exemptions in response to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974. The act stated a parent or guardian legitimately practicing his religious beliefs who thereby does not provide specified medical treatment for a child, for that reason alone shall not be considered a negligent parent or guardian. Finally, the article suggest medical professionals report suspected cases of medical neglect to state provided child services agencies and that the American Academy of Pediatrics work to repel religious exemptions to child abuse and neglects laws and also to prevent money from being paid for religious or spiritual healing practices (Antommaria, Weiss …show more content…
While the right to decline medical treatment is generally seen as a fundamental right, requests to refuse treatment is not always honored, especially when children are involved. In life-threatening situations or when a parent or guardian are unable to effectively communicate decisions, providers generally proceed with administering medical interventions. Legal competence to make medical decisions for children is not just about physical or mental capacity, it is also about making appropriate best interest decisions (Black 2006). There is a wonderful quote made by Thomas Szasz who said, “Formerly, when religion was strong and science weak, men mistook magic for medicine, now, when science is strong and religion weak, men mistake medicine for magic” (21st Century Quotations, p.69). In a world where values are distorted, the safety and security of children must always remain
The ethical dilemma of an adult refusing care for a child based upon religious beliefs is at the forefront of religious freedom versus patient rights. The issue becomes if and when the government may intervene on behalf of the child in life-saving situations when a parent or guardian cites religious or other beliefs against such action. This paper will detail the ethical dilemma of others refusing care for a child based upon religious beliefs and discuss the pros and cons of both views. The paper will then describe the potential impact to care involved in a practice setting. Finally, the paper will cite two professional journal articles related to the ethical problem and summarize the discussion content.
Freedom of religion …show more content…
The article points out that “Most states have religious exemptions to child abuse and neglect laws with those exemptions in response to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974. The act stated a parent or guardian legitimately practicing his religious beliefs who thereby does not provide specified medical treatment for a child, for that reason alone shall not be considered a negligent parent or guardian. Finally, the article suggest medical professionals report suspected cases of medical neglect to state provided child services agencies and that the American Academy of Pediatrics work to repel religious exemptions to child abuse and neglects laws and also to prevent money from being paid for religious or spiritual healing practices (Antommaria, Weiss …show more content…
While the right to decline medical treatment is generally seen as a fundamental right, requests to refuse treatment is not always honored, especially when children are involved. In life-threatening situations or when a parent or guardian are unable to effectively communicate decisions, providers generally proceed with administering medical interventions. Legal competence to make medical decisions for children is not just about physical or mental capacity, it is also about making appropriate best interest decisions (Black 2006). There is a wonderful quote made by Thomas Szasz who said, “Formerly, when religion was strong and science weak, men mistook magic for medicine, now, when science is strong and religion weak, men mistake medicine for magic” (21st Century Quotations, p.69). In a world where values are distorted, the safety and security of children must always remain