Who must provide consent for a minor’s medical treatment?

To ensure that a minor receives appropriate medical care, consent must typically be provided by a guardian or parent. This requirement is rooted in legal and ethical standards, which recognize that minors do not have the same capacity for decision-making as adults. Parents or guardians are responsible for making informed choices regarding medical treatment on behalf of their minor children, as they are presumed to understand the implications and potential consequences of the treatment being offered.

Involving a parent or guardian in the consent process also allows for a comprehensive discussion about the benefits, risks, and alternatives of a proposed medical intervention, equipping the caregiver with the necessary information to make an informed decision. The law generally mandates this involvement to protect minors from receiving treatment that they may not fully understand or that may not be in their best interests.

Alternatives such as a minor themselves providing consent or any adult present being able to give consent are not typically valid in most jurisdictions due to the considerations surrounding informed consent and legal responsibility. Similarly, while medical providers are responsible for ensuring that treatment is ethically delivered, they are not authorized to consent for minors on their behalf.