Question

Parents refuse to sign a consent form for a blood transfusion necessary to save the life of their 14 year old child.  

Discuss:
(1) Why the parents have the right of consent
(2) why the parents may be withholding consent
(3) what the healthcare provider can (and should) do in these circumstances
(4) does the child have rights?
(5) What do you think will happen?

Answer 1

The patient is 14yearsold so he doesn't have right to sign a consent. He is considered as minor. So the responsibility is for parents.

The parents might withhold the consent as they may not have proper understanding about the transfusion. Also they may afraid to sign as the outcome is unknown.

The healthcare provider can educate the parents about the importance off transfusion and consent as it is an invasive procedure.

As minors by law, children do not haveautonomy or the right to make decisions on their own for themselves in any known jurisdiction of the world. Instead their adult caregivers, including parents, social workers, teachers, youth workers, and others, are vested with that authority, depending on the circumstances.