To Hurt and to Heal (Two Parts) (1986)

Abstract

Ethical issues in neonatology and pediatrics are discussed presenting dilemmas faced by parents and health professionals in the care of very sick newborns. Part 1 contains an interview with the parents of a 13-week premature infant who died at age six weeks; the interview was made a year after the death. Long term effects are considered along with recalling the information processing and decisions by the parents. The segment is without action and quite dry. Part 2 includes comments by two mothers, an NICU nurses's views, and a doctor's thoughts after his own child died; the second part seems to have a wider appeal.