Citation

Reynolds KL, Cowden JD, Brosco JP, Lantos JD. Pediatrics 2015; 136(2): 381-386.

Affiliation

Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri jlantos@cmh.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/peds.2014-2092

PMID

26169433

Abstract

Parents sometimes request that a doctor of a particular race or ethnic group not care for their child. Such requests sometimes seem legitimate and other times seem offensive. The difference reflects a clash of fundamental values. Generally, we try to respect patient or parental preferences. Requests based on racist attitudes, however, do not seem worthy of respect. But where should we draw the line? In this ethics rounds, we present a situation in which parents requested a white doctor and analyze the ways in which doctors might think about and respond to such a request.

Language: en