End of life decisions at the beginning of life.
Modern neonatal intensive care technology enhances the ability to maintain vulnerable newborns. In some circumstances survival may be insufficient justification for care. "End of life" strategies, originally applicable to adults, are being considered for newborns. Unresolved ethical issues in the care of these newborns involve multiple considerations. Concern occurs regarding patient-centered beneficence, non-maleficence, distributive justice, futility, legal rights of infants, and autonomy. The benefits to a newborn of treatment may fail to overcome the burdens of subsequent life. Under what circumstances a newborn loses the right to have life prolonged becomes a difficult ethical issue. With time and debate the proper response will become implemented.
Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA.
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Snyder
D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D008020:Life Support Care; D011379:Prognosis