Ethical Issues in Pediatrics Practice

It is widely accepted that children are not simply “small adults,” and pediatric medicine has been developed as a completely separate branch of medicine. Pediatric medicine involves many of the same ethical issues pertinent to adult medicine, but will also attract a range of ethical issues and, indeed, ethical controversies specific to dealing with children. Although some ethical problems in pediatrics have gained a legal basis over time, some problems continue to be discussed. It is important for pediatricians to be aware of the ethical issues they may encounter and seek medical ethics consultation regarding a contradictory situation when necessary, taking into account the legal regulations of their countries.