ABSTRACT
Ethical judgements are an inevitable part of everyday life for all members of civilised societies. In paediatric medical practice ethical considerations are especially prominent in the area of withholding or withdrawing life-saving treatment and in obtaining consent. The basis of ethical decision-making in these areas is discussed in this chapter, which also outlines the legal context in which such decisions are made. Readers should, however, note that, while the ethical principles outlined may transcend regional or national boundaries, the legal framework pertaining to medical decisions differs between legal jurisdictions and practitioners should familiarise themselves with laws and regulations relevant to their own legal system.
