Parental consent for bone marrow transplantation in the case of genetic disorders.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the responses of mothers and fathers who were offered bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for their children with genetic disorders. DESIGN: Qualitative. SETTING: Private hospital rooms/offices. PARTICIPANTS: Six mothers and 4 fathers of children with genetic disorders. RESULTS: The basic social-psychological problem confronting the parents was the conflicting alternatives of life versus death for their children. It was certain that these children would die from their genetic disorders but without having to endure the pain and suffering of a BMT. The BMT would be difficult, possibly resulting in death, but with a chance of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Parents believed that BMT was the only chance of survival for their children, leaving them no choice except to pursue the BMT treatment.