Law Faculty Scholarship

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-9-2023

Abstract

This qualitative study examines pediatric oncologists’ experiences with treatment refusal and abandonment among children with cancer in the United States. Interviews with 30 pediatric oncologists explored the frequency, types, and ethical complexities of cases in which families declined or discontinued recommended curative treatments. Participants described a wide range of scenarios including outright refusal, delayed initiation of therapy, partial acceptance of treatment, and pursuit of alternative therapies. The findings reveal that such cases often involve complex psychosocial, cultural, and informational factors, and frequently evolve through multiple stages of conflict or negotiation. The study proposes a taxonomy of treatment refusal, non-adherence, and abandonment to better conceptualize these situations and guide future research and policy interventions.

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