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OK Tom, what if all things above remain the same and the patient is 10 years old? Does Mom have no say?
Bill
Yes, at 10 the ultimate decision is the parents, and there is little ethical conflict for the physician. However, I can state first-hand that after losing a 10 year old last month, that even at that age the child's opinion DOES count. If not to the doctor, it d*mn well better to the parents if they are honoring their child.
In his final days my son made it clear he did not want to die in a hospital, that he wanted to be home with his family. While this was our plan from the start, at the point he clearly acknowledged he knew what has happening and had an opinion about how HE died, his opinions became very important, even if not legally binding because even then it was not our final walk but his. Can I assume that on this even we agree?
Editted to clarify, we did not discontinue anything nor withhold anything until it was clear the fight had been lost so it is not the same as discontinuing care in the case study because I do feel that choosing to stop treatments before necessary is a decision left to those emotionally and physically mature enough for such a choice...and no I don't know what that magic number is
Sorry Tom,
My question wasn't meant to open any wounds. Please forgive me.
Bill
No offense taken, but thank you. I chose to post in the thread, but this is one area I'm probably more passionate than most.