title: Is it ethical for a medical practice to dismiss a family based on their decision not to have their child immunized?
abstract: The parents' decision not to have their child immunized stirs up much controversy in the public sector and in the healthcare arena. Much debate surrounds not just the parents' choice but also the practitioner's decision to refuse care based on their refusal. This article presents a common and increasing scenario faced in pediatric practices and explores the ethical implications that it poses for the healthcare provider.
authors: College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA. dnulty@health.usf.edu
authors: Dorothy
authors: D
authors: Nulty
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000941:ethics*; D007223:Infant; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010372:Pediatrics; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000941:ethics*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines