This essay will address the ethical issues associated with cancer treatment among children. We shall base our argument on the mature minor doctrine and the role of a parent in the treatment of a minor (below 18 years) when the minor feels they have the right to be considered when making decision on their treatment. In Billy Best’s case, which is the main focus in this argument, the minor is 16 years of age and he refused to continue with his chemotherapy for four more months after undergoing treatment for five months. According to psychologists such as such as Gerald Koocher who is the chief of psychology at Children’s Hospital, it was not important to go to court to have the kid forced to undergo the treatment. Since this was not a case of child neglect as the parents were ready to cater for the treatment, the best way was to convince the minor on the benefits of completing the treatment.
According to Coleman (2012) on the mature minor doctrine, the nature and scope of mature adolescents’ legal authority to consent to general treatment without parental involvement is often misrepresented by commentators (786). He argues that adolescents present particular challenges to pediatricians and other health workers involved in their care since they feel they have a right to give their input on the nature of their treatment rather than receiving treatment only as per the instruction of their parents or the other parties giving the health care (787). The emerging issues in their treatment include their unique medical needs at that age of rapid development as well as their evolving neuropsychological maturity. Therefore, though the mature minor doctrine has not been embraced well, there is a need to look into the role of a mature adolescent in their health care and most likely ensure that they are involved more to prevent such cases as Best’s where the individual feels his concerns are not addressed therefore boycotting treatment.
Cited Work
Coleman, Doraine & Rosoff, Philip. “The Legal Authority of mature Minors to Consent to General Medical Treatment. American Academy of Pediatrics, (131), 2013, pp. 786-793. Print.
Knox, Richard. “Billy Best’s Case Reveals Gray area of Patient Rights.” The Boston Globe. (Nov 23, 1994). Web. <http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8305222.html>
