
Can a parent refuse medical treatment for their child?
Feb 12, 2015 · The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled a few years later, in Stamford Hospital v. Vega, that there exists a common law right to self-determination, including the right to refuse medical treatment for competent adults, even when that determination includes refusal of treatment to sustain life. Until 18, children are not considered “competent ...
What percentage of cancer patients refuse treatment?
When parents apply religious or cultural beliefs concerning spiritual healing, faith healing, or preference for prayer over traditional health care for children, concerns develop. Medical care is considered one of the most basic of all human needs, and yet parents may elect to apply religious or cultural beliefs in place of traditional Western ...
What are the exceptions to the right to refuse treatment?
When a Parent’s Beliefs About Medicine Become Child Abuse. Parents have a lot of leeway in deciding what medical care their child receives, but sometimes refusing care …
Why do some parents decline medical care for their children?
While adult patients are generally thought to have an absolute right to refuse medical treatment for themselves, we don’t usually think that parents can refuse all medical treatment for their children. As an example, in February 2017, a couple in Michigan refused medical treatment for their jaundiced newborn baby, Abigail.

Can a 15 year old refuse medical treatment UK?
A competent child is legally entitled to withhold consent to treatment. However, even though the child or young person may be considered to be Gillick competent, there are some situations where their refusal can be overridden by those with parental responsibility.Aug 1, 2014
Should parents be allowed to refuse medical treatment?
State intervention on a medical decision for a minor may go further than just health care. When parents refuse necessary or life-saving care for their child, they could face serious legal consequences as well. States often refer to this as medical neglect and have laws against it.Jan 29, 2021
Can a child refuse medical treatment USA?
A mature minor is an adolescent younger than the age of majority. Such a minor can consent or refuse to consent to medical treatment if it is established that the minor is sufficiently mature to understand, discern and appreciate the benefits and risks of the proposed medical treatment.Sep 8, 2017
Can a child refuse treatment UK?
If a young person refuses treatment But you can rely on parental consent when a child lacks the capacity to consent. In Scotland parents cannot authorise treatment a competent young person has refused. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the law on parents overriding young people's competent refusal is complex.
When married parents disagree on medical treatment?
If you have joint legal custody and are unable to come to an agreement with the other parent, you may have to go through mediation to resolve these disagreements. Alternatively, you could agree to have a neutral third party decide for you. In drastic situations, the court may decide on your behalf.Mar 27, 2020
What is the religion that refuses medical treatment?
Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists are the two most common religious doctrines that may dictate treatment refusal, limitation, or preference for prayer.
Can a 13 year old give consent for medical treatment?
Children under the age of 16 can consent to their own treatment if they're believed to have enough intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what's involved in their treatment. This is known as being Gillick competent. Otherwise, someone with parental responsibility can consent for them.
Can a child refuse chemotherapy?
Cancer treatment for children almost always requires parental consent. Minor patients (those younger than age 18) are generally presumed incompetent, thus legally incapable of providing consent to their own medical treatment. Therefore, parents must make treatment decisions on their behalf.Jul 25, 2019
Can a minor refuse medical treatment in California?
In California, a minor is defined as a person under the age of 18 years. Generally, minors may not consent for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Can children decline treatment?
In contrast to adults, no child has an absolute right to accept or refuse medical treatment, even if Gillick competent'.
Can a doctor override a parent?
According to McDougall and Notini, physicians have no authority to override a parent; they can only ask the state to do so.
Is a 12 year old Gillick competent?
A child who has such an understanding is considered to be Gillick competent. Children 12 and under - there is no lower age limit for Gillick competence or Fraser guidelines to be applied. It would rarely be appropriate or safe for a child to consent to advice/intervention/treatment without parental consent.