Dr Kerstin Knight1
1University Of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Kerstin is a registered a medical practitioner and completed a PhD in philosophy at the University of Melbourne on the ethics and conceptual framework of advance care planning. She currently holds an academic position in history and philosophy of science at the University of Melbourne.
Abstract:
Should Australia have a Groningen-like protocol for neonatal palliative care?
Based on a case presentation of an infant who sustained severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) due to birth complications, I wish to examine feeding practices in neonatal palliative care in relation to bringing about the death of the infant. When parents make a choice for comfort care only, should this in – or exclude options of withholding all nutrition and hydration for the baby?
By discussing the potentially prolonged dying period that may occur in such infants I want to question how the practice of comfort care without feeds may be morally justified. I am particularly concerned with the question of whether the withholding of all feeds may a) be equivalent to bringing about the infant’s death and b) unnecessarily increase suffering for the patient and their families. My case discussion will suggest that there are indeed cases where these two aspects apply and that these constitute a compelling reason to advocate for the introduction of a Groningen like protocol in Australia.