A 32 year old single mother brings her 2 year old son to the pediatrician’s office. The boy is showing symptoms of fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Upon inspection, the pediatrician determines the boy has a very progressive stomach issue that must be treated in an ER and immediately calls an ambulance. After conducting tests in the ER, the team of physicians conclude there is a growing ulcer on the boy’s stomach, which requires immediate surgery or run the risk of organ failure. Due to the severity of the issue, the boy must be put to sleep for the entirety of the 6 hour procedure. Additionally, based on the boys age and the complexity of the issue, there is only 25% chance of survivability without the surgery or a 98.5% survivability with the surgery. The woman has no family in the US, and the only known relatives are unreachable in a very remote area in China.
After hearing the diagnosis, the mother, who believes in only treating ailments with natural treatments such as teas, herbal supplements, concoctions of fruits and vegetables, etc… decides that the boy should not undergo surgery and will instead be taken to a religious natural healer. During the discussion, the physicians had a very difficult time explaining the issue and are not confident the mother fully understands the issue or the consequences of not getting the surgery. Additionally, it is found out that neither the woman nor the boy have comprehensive insurance and would have to pay full cost for any treatment received and medication prescribed. The treatment will require 6 months of expensive medication treatment with routine doctor follow-up visits.
Questions: 1. Should the hospital conduct the surgery by overriding the mothers consent?
2. What are the potential consequences if the mother was to take legal action?
3. How should the hospital handle the financial aspect as the mother cannot afford the surgery even if she wanted it to be done?