Child medical tourism: We look at some of the reasons behind parents choosing to pursue healthcare for their children outside the UK.

This article explores the topic of child medical tourism, specifically focusing on the reasons why parents choose to pursue healthcare for their children outside of the UK. The case of Charlie Gard, a child with a rare genetic disease whose parents fought for him to receive treatment abroad, is highlighted as an example of the controversial nature of this issue. The article also discusses the lack of documentation and research on the number of children traveling overseas for care, as well as the potential dangers and exploitation that can occur in unregulated medical environments. It mentions that some families seek care abroad due to limited treatment options in the UK, while others may do so for illegal procedures such as female genital mutilation. The importance of open communication, support, and non-judgmental attitudes from healthcare professionals is emphasized when dealing with families who have sought care abroad. [Extracted from the article]