Consent in minors: the differential treatment of acceptance and refusal. Part 1 Autonomy and children's rights

SUMMARY This is the first of two articles reviewing consent in those under age 18 (also referred to as ‘minors’ UK law). can be a complex issue clinical practice because law endows competent/capacitated minors with absolute right accept treatment, but limited refuse. article summarises recent cases refusal treatment minors. It uses them ask central questions: how do we, clinicians, think about autonomous self-determination and what extent does rights agenda support minors’ self-determination? Autonomy one principles biomedical ethics explored. How supports development autonomy considered. The amount weight given domestic courts reference Human Rights Act 1998 United Nations Convention on Child described. These considerations demonstrate way that are giving views minor greater decision-making keeping maturity. introduces second article, which comprehensively reviews minors, explores competence capacity examines differential acceptance refusal.