Parents split regarding decision for their 14yr old to have scoliosis surgery. Who wins?
Question:
Can dad go ahead with our son's surgery without the consent of Mom?
Answers:
Unfortunately, if you cannot come to a mutual deicsion, the court would have the final say.
Maybe you should ask your son his opinion on the matter. After all it is him that is going through all of this.
isnt 14 a bit late? is it that the child has had temporary rods and is now ready for fusion and permanent rods?
To answer your question though, there only needs to be one signature on the consent form (in UK)
It's a mind field this consent issue. Medically, well in theory yes he could but I'd be surprised if any surgeon touched this without the mothers consent on ethical grounds. Not sure what your relationship is to the lad, but as he won't die from scoliosis then doctors wouldn't take the consent decision out of the parents hands. Gonna have to be more talking done here I reckon and a court wouldn't get involved in this as the boy is in no immediate danger. And if he was the doctors would make what they thought was the best decision anyway
I would ask WHY doesnt your mother want this child to have the surgery done. Maybe it is just fear of the surgery and is not based on any fact. If the dad can present this to her with out emotion maybe he could sway her decision. Maybe the physician needs to speak with her about the pros and cons of having the surgery. Nobody wins here..and I dont believe that the dad can have the surgery performed without mom's consent unless he gets the courts involved.
If he is smart---no.
It's the best option for success for your son.
What does he want to do? After all it's his back, he has to undergo the operation and live with the effects.
I have heard where scoliosis is controlled by exercise to strenghten muscles on the opposing side of the curve but not in boys as it's usually a female complaint.
Engage your son in his health and use what he wishes to help you decide.
Talk to the professionals about the outcomes of your decisions.
I am very sorry you and your son are going though this.
Has your son got an opinion? if he wants the operation his mum should agree
You really need to spk to a lawer about this as it'd be a v complicated case, but if you're still together with his mum then do ya really wanna go down that road? n even if yous aren't still together - what you're suggesting, to go ahead without his mums consent, would prob involve a long, expensive court case which would prob take over a year. Talk to his mum, through mediation if nessecary - try to comprimise - mbe he could try the chiropractor for a couple of months but set a deadline - if no improvements in 3 months then he'll have the surgery or something like that? i know these things can be hard, but try to be understanding to her point of view too (even if it is a bit nuts!) - yous both want what's best for your son so she will come around to the idea of surgery eventually. Good luck xxxx
I would say that if your son is able to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of surgery, then he is able to consent under the Gillick competence ruling.
If your son is unable to consent, then you can sign the consent form for him. Consent forms only require the consent of one parent. However, I would imagine that a surgeon would probably still not perform the surgery unless you can also get your wife to agree.
A less costly option for you would be to speak to the surgeons involved and explain your situation. Hospitals have their own legal advisors and your surgeon will be able to ask them what is the best way to proceed.
Good luck.
Ask your son what he wants done with his own body!!! at 14 he is not a child How would you have felt at 14 if your parents were making this kind of decision on your behalf. Don't you think his opinion should count for something?
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