Children and bioethics: clarifying consent and assent in medical and research settings

Children and bioethics: clarifying consent and assent in medical and research settings
Invited Review
Merle Spriggs
British Medical Bulletin, 8 December 2022
Open Access
Abstract
Introduction
The concept of consent in the pediatric setting is complex and confusing. Clinicians and researchers want to know whose consent they should obtain, when a child can provide independent consent and how that is determined. The aim of this article is to establish what produces the justification to proceed with medical or research interventions involving children and the role of consent in that. I clarify concepts such as consent, assent, capacity and competence.
Source of data
Literature review.
Areas of agreement
Engaging with children and involving them in decisions about matters that affect them is a good thing. Areas of controversy: The role of competence or capacity and the question of when a child can provide sole consent.
Growing points
Flawed assumptions around competence/capacity.
Areas for developing research
An account of children’s well-being that accommodates children’s interests during the transition to adulthood.