PEDIATRICS Vol. 82 No. 4 October 1988, pp. 674
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Religion and Child Abuse

NORMAN C. FOST MD1

1 Chairman, AAP Committee on Bioethics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Hospital, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792

In Reply.—

I agree with all of Dr. Fletcher's cautions about the hazards of state intrusion, especially when treatment is of uncertain benefit. It is not accidental that the statement cites only "easy" cases: it is precisely the clear cases that are outrageous and which require state protection.

His concern that "an arrogant physician" may dangerously impose uncertain treatment is the reason we have legal procedures for resolving such disputes. By reporting cases of medical neglect, the physician acknowledges that he or she should not be imposing judgment on parents of children but that a process should be initiated that allows representation of the interested parties, consideration of the relevant facts, and adjudication by a dispassionate, disinterested person.




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