Thinking It Through Dr. C. Everett Koop, formerly Surgeon General of the United

Question

Thinking It Through

Dr. C. Everett Koop, formerly Surgeon General of the United States, presents the following situation. It involves a 5-year-old girl who has a type of childhood brain tumor that Dr. Koop has studied for many years. The child’s original tumor was removed, but it has recurred in spite of all known treatment. Dr. Koop writes: “I know her days are limited and that the longer she lives the more likely she is to have considerable pain. She might also become both blind and deaf.” He goes on to explain that the child is severely anemic and this causes her to be unaware of what is happening to her. If he treats the anemia, this may prolong her life. At the same time, it will increase her awareness of pain and ability to understand her situation. Anticancer drugs can be prescribed, but he knows these have no chance of curing the child. Dr. Koop poses the question “Would it be better to let this little girl slip into death quietly . . . or should we prolong her life?”

It can be argued that it is Dr. Koop’s responsibility as a physician to treat all aspects of the child’s condition, including the anemia. Do you agree? Explain your answer.

Should anyone else be involved in making the decision about how to treat this child? Explain why.

Discuss what you think should be done for this child.

Explanation / Answer

No, we should prolonge her life because whatever may be the situation, it is not our job to take someone's life from them. There are many other persons having the same situation in the world, it doesn't mean that we should kill them all.

Yes, it is Dr. Koop's job to treat all aspects of the child's condition, including anemia because you never know what happens after the treatment. Nothing should be assumed before even treating that child. Dr. Koop should do his job as best as possible because he is the doctor and he should not suggest to kill someone without even treating them.

Yes, informed consent should be given to the girl's parents first as child is minor and she can't take such decisions. If the parents are not available then other relatives should be informed about the child's situation.

According to me the child should be treated all the treatment that she needs and whatever may be the situation, parents should hander her and we can't let the girl silently sleep to the death just because she'll have pain.

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