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Ethical Problems Encountered In Newborn Surgery
Lale ALGIER*, Aydın Yağmurlu**, İ. Haluk Gökçora***
* Doç.Dr.,Başkent Üniversitesi, Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu,** Dr.,Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Çocuk Cerrahisi AD,*** Prof.Dr.,Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Çocuk Cerrahisi AD, ANKARA
Difficult ethical problems have emerged from the advancement of knowledge, skills and technology. Newborns with major congenital abnormalities or life-threatening diseases that were previously incompatible with life can now be treated with heroic interventions. However, recovery may be unlikely for certain infants with critical illnesses. Problems arise when outcomes are uncertain and treatment may be painful or cause prolongation of suffering. Considering the expected quality-of-life of these infants, the health team are sometimes confronted with the decision whether life-support should be continued or not. Issues become even more complex when neonates are involved. Newborns depend totally on their parents, health-care providers and policies that protect them. They can't be informed or make personal choices. In the neonatal decision making process; parents, physicians or nurses should be fully aware of their accountability in participating in decision making for the child who can't speak for him or herself. Neonatal surgery and intensive care unit teams should remain objective and always act on behalf of the neonate taking into account to support the parents decisions.Keywords: family, surgery, ethics, newbornT Klin Tıbbi Etik 1998, 6:89-93
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