Abstract
Globally, there is a growing recognition that dying, and death have become medicalized events in healthcare. At the same time, the lack of pediatric palliative care access is a Global Health problem. However, the meaning of dying and death and being a child have not gained significant attention in care contexts. This is particularly true for dying children and all infants who are dependent on inter-personal, adult relationships for life decisions that affect their well-being.

To start to address the pediatric palliative care access and care gaps, the meaning of dying and death for children needs to be appreciated. In this presentation, I will outline how to start addressing these gaps by discussing the concepts of interpersonal relationality, dependency and the consideration of a spiritual ontology which are relevant for generating ethically meaningful care for dying children. To that end, I will also provide an overview of my research highlighting how care for dying children needs a unique solution and outlining a science-engaged humanities approach in which to do so.

This will be a hybrid seminar in BDI Lower Ground Seminar Room 0 and on Zoom (joining link – medsci.zoom.us/j/95839049095)