Case: Separated parents
The Case of the Contentious Parents
A child with joint custody parents who don't get along. One parent writes to the doctor, demanding that any treatment decisions be run by both parents, not just the mother. It's a difficult situation, but what's the most ethical thing the doctor can do?
Imagine the child, caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between their parents. They need medical treatment, but their parents can't agree on what's best. The mother brings the child to the doctor, but the father is furious that he wasn't consulted. He threatens to sue.
The doctor is caught in the middle. They want to do what's best for the child, but they also need to respect the rights of both parents.
The Question
What's the most ethical thing the doctor can do?