title: Selective treatment decisions and the legal rights of very young infants.
abstract: Selective treatment of neonatal infants who are terminally ill or born with profound disabilities is becoming a controversial issue. The potential of medical technology, the practices of doctors and the expectations of parents have moved ahead of the law in this area. The interests of parents, children and medical practitioners would be better served by a clarification of the law. Legal change should be based on an ethical and moral foundation. The application of the "best interests" test should be given further consideration.
authors.affiliation: School of Law and Legal Studies, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Petersen
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D001927:Brain Diseases; D002651:Child Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000628:therapy*; D004739:England; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007229:Infant Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D033282:Parental Consent; D010290:Parents; D011209:Power, Psychological; D026712:Value of Life; D028761:Withholding Treatment