ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies some of the common ethical dilemmas that can occur when treating children. The rubella vaccination programme has meant that the possibility of rubella damage to the foetus, a valid reason for termination of pregnancy, is now uncommon. It is important to remember that the ethical consideration of the treatment of children evolves as the child develops from a dependent infant to a fully autonomous adult. There are some ethical issues that are more specific to some group of children. As puberty approaches, the child's autonomy begins to develop. Through adolescence the parent's authority diminishes and the child becomes self-reliant and competent to make important decisions on his or her own account. Although General Practitioners occasionally take part in research projects involving their adult patients, the use of children as research subjects is not a topic relevant to primary care.
