Autonomy and individuals without the capacity to consent: the case of minors

Authors

  • Raylla Albuquerque Cátedra Unesco e Programa de pós-graduação em Bioética da Universidade de Brasília http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2582-2946
  • Volnei Garrafa Cátedra Unesco e Programa de pós-graduação em Bioética da Universidade de Brasília

Abstract

The Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (2005) contemplated autonomy in three articles among its 15 principles: autonomy and individual responsibility (article 5); consent (article 6); and, persons without the capacity to consent (article 7). In view of the complexity of the matter, this paper analyzes Article 7 of the Declaration, specifically focusing on children. Because of children’s lack of competence to freely and autonomously provide their consent, this authorization is passed on to their legal guardians, usually parents
or relatives. The absence of legal provisions to legitimize the decision of minors leaves room for paternalistic actions by professionals and legal representatives, who act, based on their own perspectives, for the benefit of children. Bioethics is responsible for stimulating a discussion on possible ways and mechanisms for the real protection of minors, legally regarded as unable to provide their own consent.

Keywords:

Bioethics. Personal autonomy. Informed consent. Comprehension. Minors.
Vol. 24 No. 3 (2016): Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2016; 24 (3)

Published:

2016-11-25

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How to Cite

1.
Albuquerque R, Garrafa V. Autonomy and individuals without the capacity to consent: the case of minors. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2016 Nov. 25 [cited 2024 May 13];24(3). Available from: http://www.revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/1148