👶 When the patient is an infant, who decides for them?
A baby cannot speak. They cannot say what they feel, give their consent, or express what they wish. Therefore, their parents, who hold parental authority, are involved in medical decisions and give their consent for care.
However, when a situation becomes extremely serious, particularly when considering the limitation or withdrawal of certain treatments, the question is more complex.
Parents must be informed, heard, and involved in the reflection. Their opinion matters. But legally, their will alone does not constitute the final decision.
In certain end-of-life situations, when the infant is unable to express their will, a decision to limit or withdraw treatments can be made by the physician following a collegial procedure, in compliance with the law and the child's best interest.
And when a profound disagreement exists between the family and the medical team, justice can be seized.
Behind these legal rules lie some of the most painful human situations: parents who want to protect their baby, doctors confronted with extremely difficult decisions, and a fundamental question: to what extent can one decide for a child who cannot speak?
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