RT Journal
A1 Clark JD
T1 Balancing the tension: Parental authority and the fear of paternalism in end-of-life care: comment on “confession”
JF Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
JO Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
YR 2012
FD July 1
VO 166
IS 7
SP 594
OP 594
DO 10.1001/archpediatrics.2012.556
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2012.556
AB 
In “Confession,”1 Dr Humikowski faces a nearly impossible task: to recommend the withdrawal of a mechanical ventilator from a child with a severe and devastating neurological injury while navigating cultural barriers. Although requesting maternal permission to withdraw the ventilator may appear absurd, some doctors feel obligated to request parental permission, influenced by our Westernized value system that prioritizes respect for parental authority in all medical decision making.2 Yet, this perceived obligation is not ethically or legally justified.