Pediatric Capability to Consent

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Pediatric Capability to Consent: An Ethical Dilemma

Why is there no age of consent? Only are they "capable"..what makes one child capable and one not. Should there be a stronger system in this matter?

There are 3 ethical perspectives I am looking at Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Care Ethics. How would each perspective look at this topic and what would be their opinion or side in the matter? Any information would be super helpful! thanks in advance :)

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

What have you found on this subject so far? Have you used your library research sources? Or maybe there are sections in your books that address this?

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Specializes in Pedi.

There is. 18 years old. Unless a minor has been emancipated or the mature minor rule is being applied, a child under the age of 18 cannot provide legal consent.

There are gray areas and this is where Ethics teams get involved. Adolescents under the age of 18 can consent to some things (usually related to sexual health or psychiatric issues) without their parents. If a competent teenager does not assent to the treatment that their parents have consented to, the medical team may be reluctant to proceed.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

And, at least in my state, a teen under 18 who has a baby can give consent for that child, but can NOT give consent for herself unless she is emancipated. Makes sense, huh?

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