On cross-cultural conflict and pediatric intervention

J Relig Ethics. 2006 Mar;34(1):163-75. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9795.2006.00262.x.

Abstract

A critical examination of Richard Miller's position in his recent Children, Ethics, and Modern Medicine on how to handle pediatric interventions in cases of cross-cultural conflict between parents and doctors with respect to treating young children. Particular emphasis is placed on Miller's interpretation of and arguments about a Hmong case extensively researched by Anne Fadiman in her The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. The conclusion drawn is that Miller's position requires further nuance and development, and some recommendations are made toward that end.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropology, Cultural
  • Asia, Southeastern / ethnology
  • Asian* / ethnology
  • Beneficence
  • Child Custody
  • Child*
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Decision Making
  • Dissent and Disputes
  • Epilepsy / therapy
  • Ethics, Clinical
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Minority Groups
  • Parents / psychology
  • Paternalism / ethics
  • Pediatrics / ethics*
  • Physicians
  • Professional-Family Relations*
  • Refugees
  • Treatment Refusal / psychology
  • Trust
  • United States