Refusal of Treatment by an Adolescent: The Deliverances of Different Consciences

Sally L Webb, Mary Faith Marshall, Flint Boettcher, Marty Perlmutter

HEC Forum
HEC Forum

Extract
Introduction
This paper describes and analyzes a problematic fictionalized case in health care ethics. Inherent in the case is the complex interplay between adolescent decision-making, clinical uncertainty and religious beliefs that most health care providers find alien and that challenge their professional norms. The paper examines the way the case unfolded, paying special attention to the “consciences” of the health care providers involved in the case, and ends with a few reflections on some of the conflicts of conscience that emerged.


Webb SL, Marshall MF, Boettcher F, Perlmutter M. Refusal of Treatment by an Adolescent: The Deliverances of Different Consciences. HEC Forum. 1998 Mar;10(1):9-23.

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