Citation

Gladsjo JA, Breding J, Sine D, Wells R, Kalemkiarian S, Oak J, Vieira AS, Friedlander SF. Pediatrics 2004; 113(2): e141-5.

Affiliation

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California 92123, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14754984

Abstract

Discontinuation of life-sustaining interventions often raises ethical concerns. In cases of severe child abuse with poor prognosis for recovery, accused parents may have a conflict of interest regarding medical decision-making for their child, because the outcome of such decisions may impact legal charges filed against them. The recently issued American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for addressing such cases recommended the appointment of a guardian ad litem for medical decision-making. We present the case of an 8-month-old infant who was abused severely by her father, resulting in a persistent vegetative state. We describe our experience with appointing a guardian ad litem and the ethical issues involved.

Language: en