Ethics of Pediatric Care

Paediatric medicine presents unique ethical challenges due to the vulnerability of children, their developing autonomy, and the role of surrogate decision-making by parents and guardians (Ross, 2015). Core ethical principles, including respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, must be applied carefully to protect paediatric patients' wellbeing while respecting family roles (AAP, 2013). This research examines key issues surrounding informed consent, confidentiality, life-sustaining treatment, and resource allocation in the paediatric setting.