Almost two decades ago, Dr. Franz J. Ingelfinger predicted thatif physicians kept turning to the courts "to resolve essentiallymedical matters," the medical profession's unfortunate "dependenceon the lawyer in reaching essentially medical decisions willcontinue"1. One can argue about what decisions are "essentiallymedical," but the trend that worried Dr. Ingelfinger has continued,and now physicians and a hospital have sought legal and judicialguidance about how -- and whether -- to treat an anencephalicinfant known as Baby K.
Treating Baby K
Baby K was born by cesarean section on October 13, 1992, atFairfax Hospital in Falls Church, . . . [Full Text of this Article]
The Opinion of the Trial Court
The Court of Appeals
Mixed Messages and Confused Roles
The Role of Medical Standards
What Should Be Done?
References
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