What is the ethical dilemma here?
The ethical dilemma here is the mother’s religious beliefs versus medical beliefs. A child’s life is currently in danger and requires immediate medical treatments; however, the child may not be treated due to religious beliefs of the mother. The mother is a religious scientist, who does not accept any medical treatments. The biological father, however, is for medical interventions. The hardship for medical profession is the primary custodian of the child is the non-biological mother, who is the primary decision maker for the child; therefore, they must have consent from the mother before they can start treating the child with meningitis. Because both sides have strong beliefs, this conflict can be difficult …show more content…
First, is to treat the child, and the second is to follow the mother’s wishes by not treating at all. The solution that should be implemented should be convincing the mother to change her mind and give consent to the treatment. Knowing of her strong beliefs, and unable to force her to change her beliefs, we can have other solutions in changing her mind for this particular case. First, I would assess the mother’s knowledge regarding meningitis. Explain and educate regarding treatment and its outcome. It is crucial that the mother understand the critical condition that her child is currently in. I would show her data when patients with meningitis are treated versus when they are not …show more content…
First the mother will continue to deny medical treatment for the child and rely on divine interventions. The second possible outcome is that the mother will make an exception and consent for the treatment. After educating the mother regarding meningitis, we can only hope that the mother will change her mind to accept the treatment. It is vital that medical professionals give thorough details and proof that treatment will be effective, such as showing her quantitative data, and results of those that did receive treatment from the same
The ethical dilemma here is the mother’s religious beliefs versus medical beliefs. A child’s life is currently in danger and requires immediate medical treatments; however, the child may not be treated due to religious beliefs of the mother. The mother is a religious scientist, who does not accept any medical treatments. The biological father, however, is for medical interventions. The hardship for medical profession is the primary custodian of the child is the non-biological mother, who is the primary decision maker for the child; therefore, they must have consent from the mother before they can start treating the child with meningitis. Because both sides have strong beliefs, this conflict can be difficult …show more content…
First, is to treat the child, and the second is to follow the mother’s wishes by not treating at all. The solution that should be implemented should be convincing the mother to change her mind and give consent to the treatment. Knowing of her strong beliefs, and unable to force her to change her beliefs, we can have other solutions in changing her mind for this particular case. First, I would assess the mother’s knowledge regarding meningitis. Explain and educate regarding treatment and its outcome. It is crucial that the mother understand the critical condition that her child is currently in. I would show her data when patients with meningitis are treated versus when they are not …show more content…
First the mother will continue to deny medical treatment for the child and rely on divine interventions. The second possible outcome is that the mother will make an exception and consent for the treatment. After educating the mother regarding meningitis, we can only hope that the mother will change her mind to accept the treatment. It is vital that medical professionals give thorough details and proof that treatment will be effective, such as showing her quantitative data, and results of those that did receive treatment from the same