Religious, Cultural and Philosophical Objections to Medical Care

Case-Based Teaching Guide: Religious, Cultural and Philosophical Objections to Medical Care

Responding to a parent’s refusal of medical care based on religious, cultural or ethical considerations presents complex challenges. Physicians must balance respect for the parent’s wishes and legal rights with the child’s well-being. What are the limitations on a parent’s right to refuse treatment for a child? What are the steps a physician must take in order to justify involving state agencies to compel treatment? How do you resolve conflicts between the parent’s values and those of the medical profession?

These materials explore the ethical issues that arise when the values of parents and healthcare providers come into conflict over care decisions. Participants will learn the components of informed consent or permission, and understand the limitations of a parent’s right to refuse treatment for a child. Participants will discuss the steps to take in order to justify involving state agencies to compel treatment for a child, and identify strategies to resolve conflicts between the values of a parent and the medical profession.

Read the Instructor’s Guide or the Student’s Guide.

This instructor’s guide was developed by Douglas S. Diekema, MD, MPH, director of education, Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

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1. Instructor's Guide2. Student's Guide3. Case Discussion