Media Framing of “Medical Futility”
Media Framing of “Medical Futility”

Flaming the Debate?

Author(s): Kim McGuire
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Media studies, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Communication studies, Theory of Communication
Published by: Trivent Publishing
Keywords: Charlie Gard; Alfie Evans; Mass media; media reporting; children; paediatrics; medical futility; court case;
Summary/Abstract: The cases of Charlie Gard and Alfie Evans in the UK have made public the difficult nature of “medical futility” cases. The media has undoubtedly played a significant role in this global dissemination. This chapter discusses interpretations of the media role, as both ‘negative’ and ‘positive.’ Arguably, for the families, media reporting enabled widening access to avenues of support. For the medical professionals it brought abuse and declining trust, partly due to partisan and limited access to information, and an emphasis upon emotive story telling. How these conflicting viewpoints can be ‘mediated’ and ‘moderated’ in the future will be discussed.

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