Ethical dilemmas in the treatment of children with disabilities.
Issues relating to the treatment of children with disabilities, such as withholding treatment, organ donation, research, genetic screening, and prenatal diagnosis, all present ethical dilemmas. These issues always need to be reviewed to determine which ethical considerations apply. Identifying relevant principles, one can conclude which take precedence and what is ethically permissible. As with so many other medical responsibilities, this can be consulted, learned, practiced and improved upon. Pediatricians caring for children with disabilities can study and enhance their capacity for ethical reflection, so as to participate fully in these important decision-making processes.
Silber
Tomas
T
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Batshaw
Mark L
ML
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000941:ethics; D016223:Advance Directives / Q000941:ethics; D026688:Bioethical Issues; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000941:ethics*; D046269:Reproductive Rights / Q000941:ethics; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000941:ethics; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000941:ethics