In the genes or in the stars? Children's competence to consent.
Children's competence to refuse or consent to medical treatment or surgery tends to be discussed in terms of the child's ability or maturity. This paper argues that the social context also powerfully influences the child's capacity to consent. Inner attributes and external influences are discussed using an analogy of the genes and the stars.
Alderson
P
P
Community Paediatric Research Unit, Westminster Children's Hospital, London.
D000293:Adolescent; D001675:Bioethics; D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002657:Child Development; D032882:Comprehension; D004739:England; D005190:Family; D005824:Genetics, Behavioral; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033242:Minors; D035863:Moral Development; D009014:Morals; D010332:Paternal Behavior; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010553:Personality Development; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations