(2007) Consent to surgery for deaf children: Making informed decisions. In: Surgical Consent: Bioethics and Cochlear Implantation. (pp. 30-41).

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Abstract

This chapter reviews the background social and ethical debates as well as the decision-making frameworks that are concerned with surgery for children. When choices are very hard to make and when the outcomes and balance of potential harms and benefits are complicated or disputed or uncertain, then it can be helpful to follow the processes of making the decision extremely carefully. Even if the decision that is eventually made turns out to be unfortunate, its outcome may be easier to bear if the people concerned can believe that they made the decision in the most informed and committed way that they could and that they knowingly undertook the risks. This chapter, therefore, reviews ethical debates and frameworks as well as questions for decision making that people who are considering surgery such as cochlear implants may wish to consider. The chapter is written ostensibly for responsible adults, although many points also concern children who are able to share in making decisions, and it reviews ways of assessing children's competence to consent. © 2007 by Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.

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