Ethics Committee Case

Assume that you are part of an ethics committee made up of physicians, nurses, social workers, and
community members. You've been asked to make recommendations for withdrawing fluids & nutrition from a
newborn who was born with no brain function. The mother is 17 years old and has no health insurance. To
assist in your decision-making process, use the following adaptation of the Anderson and Glesnes-Anderson
(1987) model by utilizing the following questions:

1. What is the problem?
2. What actions will solve this problem?
3. What are the consequences of these actions?
4. What ethical principles support each action?
5. What is the best decision, and can I keep the decision?

Sample Solution