Physicians' Refusal of Requested Treatment: The Case of Baby L

Abstract

The authors report a case involving an infant with severe neurologic deficits and a poor prognosis whose mother insisted that everything possible be done to prolong the child's life. Physicians, supported by the hospital's ethics committee and legal counsel, agreed that further medical intervention was not in the patient's best interests, and declined to reinstitute mechanical ventilation. A hearing in probate court resulted in the child's transfer to another institution where the parent's wishes were accommodated. Paris, et al. discuss the case as the first time that physicians, even in the face of judicial intervention, have refused to provide life-prolonging treatment that they believed would be futile and inhumane for a critically ill patient. The court acknowledged that physicians and health facilities cannot be required to provide treatment contrary to conscience. (KIE abstract)