Citation

Leuthner SR. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2001; 5(1): 341-347.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J146v05n01_16

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Shaken Baby Syndrome can result in severe neurologic injury that leads to ethical challenges in medical care. This article addresses the perceived distinctions between withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment, demonstrating that in a severely injured child the burdens of therapy may be disproportionate to the benefits. In this case, withdrawal of support could be in the child's best interest. The article then addresses the issue of who can participate in that best interest decision. While parents must be allowed to participate, there may be circumstances of conflicts of interest for a parent in the Shaken Baby Syndrome that don't allow the parent to make a choice in their child's best interest. In these situations, the health care team and the state services must use their parens patriae to act in the best interest of a child which could include withdrawal of support of life-sustaining therapy.