Which ethical principle should guide decision-making for medical care of minors?

• A. Autonomy of the child
• B. Best interest of the child, with parental consent and child assent when appropriate
• C. Physician authority without parental involvement
• D. Financial considerations

Answer: (B)

Decisions for medical care of minors are guided by what serves the child's best interests. Since children typically lack full decision-making capacity, their health, safety, and overall well-being drive clinical choices, with parents or guardians providing consent and the child participating through assent when appropriate to respect their developing autonomy. This approach balances family involvement with the child’s welfare, rather than granting the child full autonomy, giving physicians unchecked authority, or basing decisions on financial considerations. For example, a child who can understand enough to express a preference should be asked for assent, and parents' consent is sought for treatment decisions, while seeking ethics input if there is disagreement that could affect the child's best interests.