Religion impacts parents' health decisions for seriously ill children

Religion pays a significant role in shaping the medical decisions parents make regarding seriously ill children, especially when those parents must make hard choices, according to a new survey by U.S. sociologists.

Researchers from Waltham, Mass.-based Brandeis University interviewed 30 doctors from high-prestige U.S. medical centers, asking them about their views of religion and spirituality, and how those impacted their practices.

According to researchers, most physicians saw religion and spirituality as most important when parents were struggling with difficult medical choices, especially where end-of-life care was concerned. Pediatric oncologists were more likely than pediatricians to see dealing with such issues as part of their job.

Some physicians noted that religion and spirituality could prove to be both helpful and a hindrance. In cases where religious traditions impact the nature of care for children--such as when families are Jehova's Witnesses or Christian Scientists--doctors said they sometimes felt some tensions with families.

To learn more about this issue:
- read this UPI piece

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