Journal of advanced nursing
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Ethical debate abounds in the literature relative to treatment decisions for the high risk neonate in the intensive care nursery. A systematic examination of the parents' perspective is missing. ⋯ This concept evolved through the parents' reflection on conflict naming, content of decision-making, context of decision-making, information sharing and perception of infant status. These concerns differ profoundly from those of health professionals, philosophers, theologians and others active in this debate who cite lower limits of viability, iatrogenic effects of treatment, use of multiple invasive procedures, and the role of paternalism as ethical issues.