The Best Interests of the Child in Healthcare

This insightful volume, The Best Interests of the Child in Healthcare, critically examines the complexities of the 'best interests' test in children's medical care.

This volume offers a thorough re-evaluation of the 'best interests' test within the healthcare sector, exploring its evolution, challenges, and legal interpretations in cases involving children's medical care. The author delves into the complexities surrounding this critical test, highlighting its application and the inherent difficulties faced by healthcare professionals and legal practitioners alike.

The Best Interests of the Child in Healthcare comprehensively addresses both the English and Scottish perspectives, set against the backdrop of the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. By examining a diverse array of healthcare scenarios—from routine to exceptional—the author provides an in-depth analysis of relevant legislation, case law, and the implications for medical practice.

Key discussions include the extent of medical interventions permissible on a child's body, the scope of parental authority, and the developmental stages at which children should be empowered to make their own healthcare decisions. The book also tackles sensitive situations where children's interests may conflict, such as cases involving conjoined twins or organ donation among siblings. This work serves as an essential resource for postgraduate students and researchers in law, healthcare, and medicine.