Grace Mathew Case

Grace Mathew

I agree that parents have the right to deny treatment for the minor child because of their personal bias. Since, in this century most of the parents are educated and I am sure they will make wise decision. Then, still some parents deny the treatment because of their belief in religious. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is a sin to receive blood transfusions, and some parents do not want their children to receive transfusions even when they might be necessary to save the life of a child. Witnesses believe that medicine should pursue, as far as possible, the reduction of the need for blood transfusions and the use of blood products, and some medical centers try to meet those needs. However, some children need transfusion, and their Witness parents do not want them.

From an ethical point of view, what is at pole here is respect for the parents' wishes against the child's life. Most specialists trust that it is more vital to guard the child's life than to respect the parent's exercise of religion in regard to his or her child. On the other hand, when children go to school they have to get all kinds of immunization to get admission at the school; even though the parents do not want to do it they have no option. If physician think that parents are not making the right decision, the physician always can go to court and get the permission to do the treatment and save the child. I believe that parents and minors have the right to deny any kind of treatment at any time.

For example, if a child is suffering from cancer also receiving chemotherapy and if the child wants to stop the treatment I believe that she has the right to refuse it. My belief is that even if parents deny treatment or the child receives appropriate treatment, if it is time for that child to live or die it will happen. Because parents or the physicians does not have any control over a life than God does. However, we should always think and make right decision according to the situation.