title: Immigration reporting laws: ethical dilemmas in pediatric practice.
abstract: Objectives. This study assessed the potential impact of immigration reporting requirements on pediatricians' referrals to child protective services.Methods.A random sample of 200 Massachusetts pediatricians were surveyed. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed.Results.Asked whether potential deportation of the family would cause them to question or alter a decision to refer, 50% of the respondents said yes.Conclusions.Pediatricians, as mandated reporters of child abuse, will face ethical dilemmas if laws requiring reporting of immigration status are enacted. (Am J Public Health. 1998;88:967-968)
authors.affiliation: Division of General Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Geltman
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Meyers
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D008404:Massachusetts; D010372:Pediatrics; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence