Protecting Children's Rights in Medical Settings

Kimberly Overton, RN discusses the critical importance of having an advocacy plan for children in hospitals, highlighting risks children face in medical settings, including medical overreach. Kimberly shares a story about a four-year-old girl who was claimed to be medically kidnapped due to her mother's request for a gentler diuretic, which led to complications and Child Protective Services being called. Kimberly underscores the dangerous precedent it sets when parents seeking less aggressive treatments or second opinions for their children's illnesses, such as cancer, are faced with legal challenges and restricted from advocating for their children. It calls for caution among parents in determining when to use emergency services, pointing out the potential risks associated with challenging medical decisions.