Ethical implications of child abuse for the health care professionals

Authors

  • Ana L Ferreira Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira; Departamento de Pediatria
  • Fermin R Schramm Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública da Fundação; Departamento de Ciências Sociais

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102000000600016

Keywords:

Domestic violence, Professional family relations, Child abuse, sexual, Ethics, Attitude of health personnel

Abstract

Based upon some problems faced by health professionals in the care of abused children, this is a discussion of the ethical implications in family interventions aiming to protect these children. Accepting the prima facie principle that violence is morally wrong, some issues related to the children's rights as well as some ethical theories such as consequentialism, utilitarianism and deontology are discussed. The conclusion is that the protection of these children is morally justifiable and the maintenance of the families' unity should always be attempted.

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Published

2000-12-01

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 6 (2000)

Section

Current Comments

How to Cite

Ferreira, A. L., & Schramm, F. R. (2000). Ethical implications of child abuse for the health care professionals . Revista De Saúde Pública, 34(6), 659-665. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102000000600016