Discussion » Questions » Health and Wellness » Should the gov be allowed to remove medical treatment from a child against parents wishes? Socialised Medicine...death panels?
my2cents

Should the gov be allowed to remove medical treatment from a child against parents wishes? Socialised Medicine...death panels?

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/950648/Alfie-Evans-update-live-news-latest-health-Alder-Hey-hospital-Italy

Posted - April 25, 2018
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Responses


  • 6098
    Only if the medical treaters have brought suit against the parents for non-payment. 
      April 25, 2018 6:44 AM MDT
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  • 34452
    UK so the gov pays.  Another country has agreed to treat the 23 month old baby at one of their hospitals. So non-payment is not an issue.
      April 25, 2018 8:43 AM MDT
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  • 16838
    Death panels my a$$. EVERYWHERE in the developed world has some form of socialised medicine - EXCEPT the US. Were in not for socialised medicine in Australia, I'd probably be dead by now.  If not, I'd certainly still be hobbling on a stick, addicted to opioid painkillers and unable to work, rather than running, drug-free and earning a living.
    Stephen Hawking credited his long life to Britain's NHS. Thirty years ago he was quoted as saying "Were it not for the National Health Service, I would certainly be dead."
      April 25, 2018 6:46 AM MDT
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  • 34452
    So you believe the gov should have the right to tell this 23 month old's parents they have to let him die? Even though there is another hospital that is willing to treat the baby. Why would we allow the gov that kind of power over our lives?
    What else do you call a group of gov, medical professionals and judges who decide if you get a shot at living...if not a death panel? This post was edited by my2cents at April 25, 2018 8:44 AM MDT
      April 25, 2018 8:42 AM MDT
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  • 16838
    It's the fault of an antiquated judicial system,  not socialised healthcare. He's not even in an NHS hospital, it's a private Catholic one. Certainly he should be given a chance, but it's not the NHS blocking it - it's a pigheaded fossil in a doctor's uniform, and a bunch of bewigged fossils backing him.
      April 25, 2018 9:19 AM MDT
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  • 34452
    No, Alder Hey is an NHS hospital. The hospital offering to help the parents is a Italian Catholic hospital.
    So it is indeed the NHS blocking the parents choice of moving their child to another hospital.
      April 25, 2018 1:27 PM MDT
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  • 7939
    The article you linked says they're only seeking palliative care.

    "Mr Thomas Evans does not seek treatment. He seeks palliative care in line with his Catholic faith principles," says his barrister Paul Diamond...

    I feel a bit different about that than I would about treatment to stay alive or improve health. Unfortunately, the child is going to die regardless. They're basically fighting for the right to move a dying child from one location to another, so he can die there instead. As far as I can tell, Catholic palliative care is no different than most approaches. The goal is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible and they don't believe in ending the patient's life. I believe that's what's happening now with the child anyway, so moving him, so he can get the same care elsewhere, seems cruel to me. It's an added step- just more hardship for the little guy. I might also feel different if this was to move a dying patient back home, so they could pass in familiar surroundings. It's not. It's one hospital to another. Is the other hospital saying they'll keep the child on breathing equipment or something?

    In any case, "Should the gov be allowed to remove medical treatment from a child against parents wishes?" ...
    In a way, the court did make a ruling here, but they deferred to the hospital's decision, so we can call it a government decision. That said, I'm typically for a hands-off approach from the government. I think it's none of their business what happens between my doctor and me or my child's doctor and me, and I think my family and I should have the right to choose medical care providers. Barring pure negligence or child endangerment, governments should stay out. I disagree with what the parents are doing, but I don't see it being anyone's business but theirs.

      April 25, 2018 9:56 AM MDT
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  • 34452
    Even if the family is just wanting palliative care, I believe it should be up to the parents. What treatment and what hospital they receive the treatment.
    It says the baby has not been diagnosed....why would they not at least be allowed a 2nd opinion?

    I believe the Catholic hospital is offering to continue the life support that the Alder Hey hospital went to court to remove from the child. I know some of the articles say a surgical team was ready as well but I cannot find anything saying if there is a possible treatment etc.
      April 25, 2018 1:34 PM MDT
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