The limits of parental power in health decisions relating children ? guidelines

Abstract

Respect for human beings is one of the fundamental principles of bioethics, and is manifested through the exercise of autonomy. When a patient is not competent to make decisions regarding his or her health, as is the case with children under twelve years of age, there is a presumption that parents should make decisions on behalf of the child through the exercise of parental authority. The present study discusses the legitimacy and judicial right of parents to make decisions for their children when the choices involved go beyond the boundaries permitted by ethics, law and society. The study also considers common practice in Brazil, when there is a conflict of interest between the treatment proposed by the medical professiomal and the wishes of parents.