Ethical issues of the therapy of premature infants

Abstract

Currently preterm births are the leading causes of newborn mortality in developed countries. There is growing concern in the medical community about the moral and ethical implications of therapeutic care for these patients. The article raises the problem of joint decision-making by neonatologists and parents on the treatment of premature newborns. Including the question of who is most qualified to make decisions regarding the initiation, termination or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for preterm infants. The rest of the life of surviving premature newborns may be associated with inconvenience and suffering in everyday life, and understanding of responsibility for the life of the patient and the child greatly complicates the decision. Another important issue is the relationship between intensive care nurses and parents in caring for premature newborns. The article describes the life experience and ethical and moral problems that medical personnel face during caring for premature newborns.