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Terminating Treatment for Newborns: A Theological Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2021

John J. Paris
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Extract

In a recent issue of the Hastings Center Report, Paul and Marilyn Bridge discuss the difficulties and frustrations they encountered with the physicians and hospital concerning a proposal to withhold treatment from their severely defective newborn son, Christopher. Born some three months prematurely, he had signs of viral encephalitis. His long-term outlook was quite dim: he had severe mental retardation, and would possibly suffer from uncontrollable convulsions, deafness, blindness, and quadraplegia. Brain damage was extensive, and was thought to extend to the cortex. While Christopher was not terminally ill nor in any immediate danger of dying, the pediatrician suggested that there would be situations in the future which perhaps ought not be treated, such as infection or the aspiration of food. The family rejected that option, and insisted on treatment until Christopher, on his 75th day of life, suffered cardiac arrest. After three days of ventilator support, the parents agreed to discontinue the heroic means supporting their son whom they now believed to be terminally ill and approaching brain death.

Type
Article
Information
Law, Medicine and Healthcare , Volume 10 , Issue 3 , June 1982 , pp. 120 - 144
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 1982

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