Citation

Bowdler M, Kent H. AMA J. Ethics 2018; 20(1): 36-43.

Affiliation

The executive director of Health and Wellness Services at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Medical Association)

DOI

10.1001/journalofethics.2018.20.1.ecas2-1801

PMID

29360026

Abstract

Physicians must remain vigilant about their ethical duties to patients, especially in high-stakes situations. The question raised by this case-whether a physician should comply with a parent's demand for treatment against her underage child's wishes-is not one of life or death in which a guardian might more credibly argue her judgment should stand. Given that forcing a rape kit exam on a patient who refuses to give assent could be further traumatizing, we argue that the physician should not comply. Deciding upon a course of action in this situation will involve considering what is in the patient's best interest and what constitutes a physician's appropriate role in gathering evidence for criminal investigations.

© 2018 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

Language: en