Abating Treatment in the NICU

Abstract

Three comments about this case [Echenberg, R.J., "Permanently locked-in syndrome in the neurologically impaired neonate," p. 206-208] may be helpful. First, the major concern expressed by Echenberg is procedural in nature. He asks, "Who should speak for these tiny patients if the family, either by choice or incompetence, abdicates its responsibility?" He indicates that one option, a court-appointed guardian, was not chosen because a guardian