Flaws in the assessment of the best interests of the newborn.
We examined the literature on ethical decisions regarding neonates, to assess whether personal beliefs and prejudices influence end-of-life decisions taken by caregivers. Studies show that religion and familiarity with disability influence caregivers' decisions, whereas the influx of already being a parent, age, sex and professional experience is controverse. Caregivers' attitudes towards end-of-life decisions are also affected by personal concerns about litigation, prejudices and their view of disability. The concept of 'poor quality of life' is widely used as a reference in end-of-life decisions, but this can be interpreted differently, leaving room for a wide range of personal viewpoints. In most cases, parents' opinions are considered important and are sometimes the main determinant in decision making. However, it is unclear whether parents' decisions are based on their own wishes or on the best interests of the newborn.


CONCLUSIONS
In neonatal end-of-life decisions, patients may not receive cures based only on their best interests.
Bellieni
Carlo V
CV
Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine, University of Siena, Italy. bellieni@iol.it
Buonocore
Giuseppe
G
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000941:ethics*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics*