There has been discussion in the media recently about girls being given contraceptive injections and implants at schools without their parents’ knowledge.
With patient consent a central tenet of medical ethics, the issue of whether a child can, independently, consent to medical treatment is crucial, and sometimes controversial, for medical professionals, parents and policymakers. A child’s legal ability to consent is famously addressed in case law under the principles of “Gillick competency” and the “Fraser guidelines”.
Children above the age of 16
All people, including young people aged 16 and above are presumed to have the legal capacity to consent to treatment unless evidence suggests otherwise, such as if the person is incapacitated through injury or mental health difficulties.
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