Abstract

This case study focuses on decision-making for minors who are permanently unconscious and dependent on life-sustaining therapies. Cases of this type often cause anguish and angst for health care providers and caregivers and can lead to mistrust, moral distress, and communication problems. After presenting a particular case, an ethical analysis is applied to determine whether there is an apparent course of action or an ethical dilemma. The ethical analysis focuses on the currently accepted guidance principle for surrogate decision-making for minors and applies them to the case. The conclusion drawn shows that the case was not, in fact, an ethical dilemma by definition and that there is a reasonable course of action to be taken.