Pediatric Medical Ethics

Pediatric medical ethics involves the principles guiding healthcare decisions for children. It balances children’s rights, parental authority, and medical advice. Since children may not fully understand medical situations, ethics emphasizes the importance of informed consent, ensuring that both parents and healthcare providers act in the child’s best interest. Key considerations include assessing the child’s capacity for decision-making, respecting their growing autonomy, and making choices that promote health and well-being while minimizing harm. This field aims to navigate complex issues like treatment options, privacy, and end-of-life decisions, ensuring that ethical standards prioritize the child's welfare.