Navigating challenging cases: ethics, culture and best interests

Navigating challenging cases:
ethics, culture and best interests

Similia Vol 28 No 2 – December 2016

Author: Ben Gadd

Abstract

Junior was a five-year-old boy I treated for epilepsy. Case management raised interesting ethical issues, arising from his parents’ wish to use homeopathy and refuse conventional treatment. His neurologist and child protection officer expressed concerns and threatened legal action. This article explores the complex ethical arguments, looking at evidentiary claims, and situating these within a consideration of risk, calculation of potential harms and an understanding of power, antipathy towards homeopathy and cultural sensitivities.

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