La autonomía del menor en el contexto sanitario. Conflictos éticos y búsqueda de soluciones

Adolescence is a period marked by biological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that entail specific ethical challenges, as it is a period of transition to adulthood with limited freedoms for exercising autonomy. Legal issues arise not only as a result of violations of rights and laws protecting children and adolescents, but also due to the judicialization of medicine.

The common goal of legal professionals, pediatricians, and parents should be the minor's best interests. This is determined judiciously, on a case-by-case basis, because each adolescent is unique and requires an individualized response. Bioethics serves as a bridge not only between science and human values, but also, through dialogue and deliberation, allows for mediation to curb the tendency to litigate conflicts. This article reviews the historical context that has made it possible to involve minors in healthcare decision-making, the evolution of the legislation that serves as the legal grounds for this involvement, situations in clinical practice in which conflicts may arise in this decision-making process, and an ethical perspective for finding solutions.