title: Legal and ethical issues in neonatal nursing: a case study.
abstract: Neonatal nurses regularly face complex legal and ethical dilemmas. This article discusses the hypothetical case of Jack, a two-day-old infant diagnosed with trisomy 13 (syndrome), a life-limiting condition. Jack's prognosis is poor, and he is not expected to live past two weeks of age. The legal and ethical perspectives of withholding life-sustaining treatment in infants and children will be explored through the application of ethical frameworks, as well as statute and case law relevant to children and adolescent nursing. The article also discusses the neonatal nurse's role, with reference to local and national guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Coventry University, Coventry, England.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hagger
authors.affiliation: Coventry University, Coventry, England.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Coventry University, Coventry, England.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Strumidlo
mesh_terms: D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D000072221:Nurses, Neonatal / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
keywords: ethical frameworks; ethics; legal issues; legislation; neonatal nursing; neonates