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

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

Use Social Media
Social Media

Five Reasons Why Physicians Need to Use Social Media

April 24, 2017
online reputation management
BusinesseHealthPolicy & LawSocial MediaTechnology

Online Reputation Management for Physicians: Putting Your Best Cyber-Foot Forward

March 23, 2013
ehealth
eHealthMobile HealthPolicy & LawSocial Media

Is Facebook a Predictor of Your Health?

March 28, 2013

Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Healthy Healthcare Marketing Budget

September 8, 2015
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?