Religious-based denial in the NICU: implications for social work

Families of critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit may be placed in the emotionally charged position of making treatment decisions about their infants, including the withholding of medical treatment. Some families, unable to deal with these issues, cope through a harmful form of religious denial; the eternal belief in a miracle. This article discusses the concept of death, religious-based denial, and health care team reactions to such family dynamics. The role of the social worker is reviewed in regard to: (1) dealing with his/her own feelings about religious-based denial (2) advocating for families, and (3) supporting and consulting with staff around this sensitive area.