Ethical Dilemmas and Countertransference in Legally Mandated Reporting of Fatal Child Neglect.
Psychodyn Psychiatry
; 52(2): 189-205, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38829226
ABSTRACT
In the fall of 2019, a much-publicized court case brought to national attention the issues of patient-doctor confidentiality when it comes to reporting the deaths of newborns in the United States. It is unclear whether the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade will lead to more cases like this. This article discusses issues of countertransference, as well as the ethical and legal implications were it to be a psychiatrist, in active treatment of such a patient, who would be required to make such a report. More specifically, as in the publicized court case, the patient could be a minor at the time, receiving treatment from a child psychiatrist. The implications of such a case include how countertransference affects the perception of fatal child neglect compared to intentional neonaticide; the ethical dilemma of generating a mandated report with the goal of child safety when such a report could lead to real legal consequences for a minor child; and considerations regarding continued treatment of a patient after such a report is made. It is likely that countertransference, shaped by attitudes toward mothers and idealized views on mothering, may play a large role in all these circumstances.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Maus-Tratos Infantis
/
Notificação de Abuso
/
Contratransferência
Limite:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Newborn
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Psychodyn Psychiatry
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article