{"title":"The Ethics of Fetal Cardiac Intervention","authors":"Jonathan Tze Liang Choo","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00354-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00354-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Advances in fetal cardiac ultrasound technologies and refinements in cardiac catheterization techniques have made fetal cardiac intervention a reasonable option for fetuses with cardiac abnormalities such as fetal aortic stenosis and fetal hypoplastic left heart syndrome. These procedures — fetal aortic balloon valvuloplasty and fetal atrial stenting — are performed on the physical body of the mother for the benefit of the fetus, and yet carry risks to both mother and fetus. This paper reviews the ethics of fetal cardiac intervention in fetal left heart disease. It provides the ethical underpinnings for the development and performance of these procedures and outlines a practical ethical framework for counselling families in the face or these cardiac abnormalities. There is a need for careful case selection and a need to review these cases after fetal cardiac intervention. The establishment of registries to collect pre-procedural data and to monitor short and long-term procedural outcomes is expected to strengthen the evidence for ethical decision-making.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"265 - 278"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What’s Best and Who Decides for Seriously Ill Infants? A Malaysian Perspective","authors":"Hui Siu Tan","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00339-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00339-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Pediatricians and parents have co-fiduciary obligations to decide on medical treatment for a child. When life-sustaining treatment is no longer beneficial in seriously ill infants, most pediatricians in Malaysia support parents in a shared decision-making process. Occasionally, it can be challenging to decide what is best, whose decisions to make, and how to navigate uncertainties, value conflicts, and social justice issues that arise. Some of the pediatric ethics themes in Malaysia include moral distress due to professional obligation, the moral significance of withdrawing versus withholding life-sustaining treatment, decision-making for infants with elusive diagnoses or prognostic uncertainties, and infants of forced migrants with sociopolitical barriers to care. Several cases will be described to illustrate these ethical issues, as well as the pediatric ethics framework and approaches that can be considered to decide what is best for these infants. Pediatricians feel obligated to do their best, treat every child and family the same, and feel morally distressed if unable to do so. They can consider gathering more information and perspectives and utilize these frameworks to consider what is best for a child. In moments of conflict, respectfully seeking opinions, values, and concerns from the family through open communication is crucial to resolving disagreements. Clinical ethics deliberation can provide clarity in challenging moments and suggest ethically acceptable options. Clinical ethics mediation can facilitate difficult conversations and bring resolutions and closure for stakeholders. Within these moral spaces, the responsibility of heavy decision-making can thus be shared and reflected upon.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"343 - 355"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Some Asian Value Reflections on Children’s Autonomy","authors":"Daniel Fu-Chang Tsai, Yu-Chen Chou","doi":"10.1007/s41649-025-00358-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-025-00358-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper provides an ethical reflection on “children’s autonomy” from the perspective of cross-cultural bioethics based on theories related to Asian values. The author supports the premise of “children’s” autonomy and explores the differences between Western and non-Western cultures regarding claims of children’s autonomy. By comparing the legal regulations on children’s medical decisions in the USA, the UK, Japan, and Taiwan, the paper illustrates the national legal differences in children’s decision-making, even under the influence of similar Asian cultural values. The author further explains, adopting Tsai’s “Confucian two-dimensional personhood theory” and Markus and Kitayama’s “Construal of Self” theory, that although Asian countries like Taiwan have historically been influenced by relational personhood dimension and interdependent self-construal orientation, individual autonomy and children’s medical decisions are significantly affected or limited by family or parental determinism. However, under the influence of global human rights values and universal bioethical principles, the conceptions, legislations, and practices have evolved towards respecting individual rights and autonomous choices. Hereby, Tsai’s two-dimensional personhood theory can balance the tension between individual autonomy and family determinism, as well as between children’s autonomy and paternalism. This theoretical framework can provide a rational resolution to the long-standing cross-cultural bioethical controversy regarding individual autonomy and family determinism, and offer insights and solutions for pediatric ethics and children’s medical decisions under Asian values.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"357 - 367"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Complexity of an Agreement: A Cross-Cultural Perspective on ‘Yes, Doctor’ Communication with Patients","authors":"Mora Claramita, Indah Kartika Murni","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00355-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00355-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This article explores the communication challenges faced by health professionals working with patients from high-context cultures (i.e. those that emphasize non-verbal communication), particularly in Southeast Asia, and proposes strategies to enhance interaction and patient care. Attention should be put on the impact of cultural dimensions such as high power distance and collectivism on patient behaviour and decision-making. In high power distance cultures, patients may be passive and reluctant to voice concerns, while collectivistic values often influence decisions through family or community input. To address these challenges, communication guides designed to improve interactions include observing subtle non-verbal and para-verbal cues, practicing active listening, encouraging patient participation, providing adequate consultation time, and discussing care plans collaboratively. Additionally, using familial terms of address and incorporating Kleinmann’s eight questions are recommended to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate a better understanding of patients’ perspectives. The proposed strategies aim to foster a culturally sensitive and patient-centred approach, enhancing communication, improving patient satisfaction, and leading to better health outcomes. By implementing these practices, health professionals can navigate cultural complexities more effectively and deliver high-quality, respectful care.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"325 - 330"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ethical Issues in Pediatric Precision Oncology in Singapore","authors":"Chan Mei-Yoke","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00351-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00351-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Since the human genome was sequenced in 2003, exploding knowledge and new technologies in the field of genomics have given rise to the new field of precision medicine, whereby treatment is individualized to patients based on their genomic information. However, as with any new scientific advancement and technology, precision medicine has the potential to improve health outcomes but raises ethical questions, particularly in children. Using pediatric precision oncology as an example, this paper focuses on the ethical issues in the integration of genomic information in the management of children with cancer. Pediatric precision oncology encompasses the use of the child’s cancer genomic information and sometimes germline genomic information to aid in diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognostication, as well as “precisely” treating the cancer using genomically guided targeted therapies. The main ethical issues discussed in this paper include the difficulty in obtaining informed consent from parents and assent from the child, due to information overload, emotional overwhelm, cognitive biases, among others; the ambiguity between research and clinical care, leading to therapeutic misconception and mis-estimation; the utility of this novel technology and its impact on scarce resources; and the potential to widen health disparities thus affecting justice. Recognizing and addressing these ethical challenges will help guide the responsible implementation and integration of precision medicine into routine pediatric clinical care.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"293 - 306"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Displaying Moral Courage in Providing Discretionary Treatment in a Technologically Advanced, yet Resource-Limited Setting","authors":"Sarah Abraham, Urmi Ghosh","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00338-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00338-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In our day-to-day clinical practice, we face several ethical dilemmas. Although we have a moral conscience, we are constrained by many factors in executing the right decision. It is in this context that courage to stand up for one’s ethical values and make the right decision, even if we get penalized, is important. Four case scenarios from a large tertiary care hospital which provides care to patients belonging to all socioeconomic strata are described. The institution offers subsidized/free treatment to “deserving patients”, and this subsidy is entirely decided upon by the treating medical team. With limited resources for subsidized treatment, we are often in a dilemma as to how much of financial support should be given and how to prioritize beneficiaries between those with acute illnesses versus those with chronic disabilities/cognitive impairment. With access to advanced investigations and treatment modalities, management individualized to patients becomes a daily challenge for the medical team. The ethical dilemma associated with these case scenarios and the moral courage shown by the decision makers in each case are discussed. Clinicians often rely on “phronesis”—the ethical decision-making grounded in an accumulated wisdom—when confronted with ethical dilemmas. The professional virtues such as compassion, discernment, empathy and integrity form an integral part of decision-making intertwined with the basic ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy and justice. Moral courage is often required to implement these virtues especially in the face of the opposing pragmatic realities of clinical practice.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"331 - 341"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reimagining Assent: When Things Get Lost in Translation in International Pediatric Research","authors":"Sarosh Saleem","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00342-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00342-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The necessity of obtaining pediatric assent for research participation is well established within international ethical guidelines. However, the effective implementation of these guidelines poses significant challenges for research ethics committees in numerous developing countries, such as Pakistan, characterized by diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts. This paper critically examines the moral underpinnings of assent, rooted in the principle of respect for persons, which aims to empower, engage, and educate children involved in research processes. Through a case example, this paper reveals the unique obstacles faced by researchers and clinicians in Pakistan, which stem from socio-cultural norms and economic disparities. Such challenges endanger the ethical foundation of assent, creating a disconnect between its philosophical basis and practical execution. Although international guidelines permit contextual adaptation of assent procedures, such flexibility is not adequately articulated within the guidelines, nor is it typically prioritized in practice. This gap undermines the purpose of assent and inadvertently increases the risk of harm to child participants—not from the research itself but rather from a process designed to protect and empower them. This paper emphasizes greater awareness among stakeholders regarding these challenges, urging a reimagined assent process in diverse global contexts. By introducing a clear rationale within research guidelines, the intent is to ensure that researchers and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) prioritize the contextual understanding of assent, transforming it from a mere procedural formality into a meaningful practice that mitigates potential risks to children and adolescents involved in research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"307 - 324"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hoping Against Hope: Ethical Considerations when Trying Unproven Treatments for Seriously Ill Children","authors":"Ji Hyun Yang, Yumi Son, Ilhak Lee","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00340-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00340-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Modern medicine is continually evolving, yet developing and validating new treatments for paediatric patients presents significant challenges. Ethical dilemmas often arise when parents consider nonstandard treatments for their children, driven by desperation and the hope of finding effective interventions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for robust ethical frameworks to guide thier decision-making processes. Such frameworks must include the necessity for informed consent, ensuring that parents understand the potential risks and benefits of unproven treatments. Additionally, clear and open communication between parents and healthcare providers throughout the treatment journey is crucial. This ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of paediatric patients, considering their unique needs and vulnerabilities. By addressing the ethical considerations of trying unproven treatment for seriously ill children, healthcare professionals can better navigate these complexities, and ultimately foster a more compassionate and ethically sound healthcare environment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"279 - 291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vijay R. Baral, Yinru Lim, Priyantha Edison, Jerry Alan Menikoff
{"title":"Ethical Dilemmas in Newborn Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy","authors":"Vijay R. Baral, Yinru Lim, Priyantha Edison, Jerry Alan Menikoff","doi":"10.1007/s41649-024-00337-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s41649-024-00337-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ethical conundrums are common in neonatal medicine, particularly around continuing or withdrawing intensive treatment in a critically ill baby. A common scenario is a baby born with compromised oxygen delivery around the time of birth (perinatal asphyxia) leading to a condition named hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) which can have a high probability of death or long-term neurologic disability. This article reviews the key ethical dilemmas that underpin the clinical management of babies with severe HIE. The discussions, however, could be relevant in any newborn with a life-threatening illness where withdrawal or redirection of intensive treatment is being considered.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":44520,"journal":{"name":"Asian Bioethics Review","volume":"17 2","pages":"237 - 249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}