American Academy of Pediatrics Provides Guidance to Respond to Requests for Nonbeneficial Treatment in Life-Threatening Situations

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published guidance for clinicians on navigating discussions concerning critically ill patients whose parents or caregivers request interventions that are not medically recommended. A clinical report and technical report, both titled, “Responding to Parental Requests for Potentially Nonbeneficial Treatment in Life-Threatening Situations,” is published in the April 2026 Pediatrics (published online March 23). The AAP Committee on Bioethics wrote both reports, which state that, ideally, consensus on a medical treatment plan for a child is achieved through shared decision-making between parents or caregivers, pediatricians, and other clinicians. The clinical report offers practical strategies if there is disagreement over medical interventions that clinicians believe are unlikely to provide benefit, or lead to excessive burden. The AAP recommends that clinicians demonstrate care, empathy and concern for the child’s best interests, acknowledging the family’s emotional distress while reinforcing clinical realities.  Clinical reports and technical reports created by AAP are written by medical experts, reflect the latest evidence in the field, and go through several rounds of peer review before being approved by the AAP Board of Directors and published in Pediatrics. 

To request embargoed copies of the clinical and technical reports, or to request an interview with an expert, contact AAP Public Affairs.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.