By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: A Challenge of Ethics on Facebook
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Medical Ethics > A Challenge of Ethics on Facebook
Medical EthicsSocial Media

A Challenge of Ethics on Facebook

thielst
thielst
Share
2 Min Read
SHARE

Ben Dillon has posted on a truly difficult ethical situation shares the story on GeoVoices. It involves a mom who blogs on the challenges of raising a child with a genetic defect and this naturally attracts a sympathetic and motivated following.  

Ben Dillon has posted on a truly difficult ethical situation shares the story on GeoVoices. It involves a mom who blogs on the challenges of raising a child with a genetic defect and this naturally attracts a sympathetic and motivated following.  

The mom’s posts include her disappointment over being told hospital nephrologists have denied a kidney transplant for her 3 y.o. daughter, because of her genetic defect – which is also known to cause mental retardation.  We don’t know the actual reason for the denial, but the family believes it is because of the child’s mental retardation and this is shared in the mom’s blog posts and it ultimately made it’s way to traditional media, including the Washington Times.
 
The result is that the hospital’s Facebook wall now includes passionate pleas to reconsider the decision. Like Ben, I believe Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is appropriate in their handling of the social media aspects of this truly unfortunate situation.  It should be a guide to others.
  • CHOP is carefully avoiding any discussion of the patient’s case or health situation and remains respectful of the opinions and feelings of everyone engaged in the discussion.
  • They appear to be leaving all visitor posts on their page – the good and the uncomfortable.
  • CHOP has issued a statement acknowledging that they are listening and reiterating their policies, values and history as relates to this issue. 
  • CHOP and the family have issued a joint statement on Facebook as a result of the significant public interest.
  • The organization is discussing the issue with the family offline.

 Let’s all say a prayer for the child and her family!

TAGGED:facebook
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Social Media

Connection is Critical in the Social Media Networking Space

October 28, 2011

A High Price for Rare Cancer Drugs

August 31, 2011

NYC, Brooklyn Hospital Settle Medical Malpractice Lawsuit for $18 Million

March 23, 2012

Social Media Can Change HealthCare – Medicine 2.0 Conference Takeaway

September 22, 2011
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?