Ethical Question

Katnip, RN · Nov 26, 2003

Check the laws. In many states, a pregnant minor, no matter how young is legally allowed to make decisions for herself regarding healthcare until she gives birth. After that, she can only make decisions for her baby. Healthcare decisions revert back to the minor mother's parents.

BETSRN · Nov 26, 2003

At least here in Connecticut, the laws are on the side of the minor. When a teen is pregnant, she is emancipated and can make her own decisions. What the patient's family members has nothing to do with anything.

I would worry more about the social problem surrounding this girl if the patient's mother is refusing to let her have pain meds. I'd make sure th young patient is in a safe environment in the home.

I am also a VNA nurse as well as L&D and I would sure have my feelers out is I was sent out to follow a young gal whose mother would not allow her to have meds.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Nov 26, 2003

IF the teen is deemed emancipated under state law, then it's her call.

BUT not sure that pregnancy is necessarily viewed as an emancipating condition universally across the States.

MandyInMS · Nov 26, 2003

As a Mom,I couldn't stand to see my child in pain..I understand wanting the 15 y/o to cope with consequenses for her actions, but geeeeez...glad that person's not MY Mom.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 26, 2003

that mother is evil in my opinion.

agree w/above CHECK the LAWS...chances are VERY good she is "emancipated" and can therefore make HER own independent informed decisions and sign consents of her own accord.

I hate mother/family members who think like this. they must be haters. really.! ugh:(

also: make SURE social services personnel are in on this one. I agree w/Bets...there IS A HUGE PROBLEM here.

stressednurse · Nov 26, 2003

Glad thats not my mom

crankyasanoldma · Nov 27, 2003

In my state the minor is emancipated and makes her own decision. It often seems the moms who do this are intent on punishing the pregnant teen. We make it clear to the patient that the decision is theirs, review the options and provide per the patients desire.

acuteobrn · Nov 27, 2003

That "mother" is pure evil, how could she even want to watch her child endure emense pain?

Agreed with the above posters, state law will mandate when a teen is emancipated, usually once pregnant they can make healthcare decisions, with the one possible exception being abortion. However along checking with state laws, which are becoming available on the internet, try checking in your policy manual at work, our hospital does have a section regarding this law. And in IL you have to listen to the patient, no matter how old she is, it is simply her choice and her pain.

Definately would get social services involved on this one!

Sable's mom · Nov 27, 2003

I agree with Bets and Deb - first - know the laws in your state - who is emancipated? When? How do they prove it?

Second, get Social Services involved - why no pain meds? To learn her lesson - what 'lessons might this girl or her child 'have to learn' in the future?

This is a horrid situation and one that I am glad to hand over to Social Servies whenever possible.

Also, where is the doctor in all of this? Can her intervene?

bluesky, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2003

I can't add anything substantial to what other people have said. I admire you for keeping your calm in such a situation. I would have been so irrate with the mother I would have had to ask another nurse to take over... couldn't bear to watch the young woman suffer like that against her will.

I mean what a B***H!

fergus51 · Nov 27, 2003

Legally, the patient is your priority. I mean think about it, would you allow surgery to be performed without anesthesia if the mother wanted it that way? Probably not, and birth isn't any different. Here children are allowed to make medical decisions for themselves at 13 and are the decision makers for the baby regardless of their age, unless a court deems them unfit.