Children and medicine; ethics, autonomy and regulation. (360G-Wellcome-100697_Z_12_Z)

A two-day workshop that examines the philosophical and ethico-legal problems associated with assessing and respecting the autonomy of children within the context of medical treatment and medical research. Participants will be from different disciplines (philosophy, law, medicine, education) and different legal jurisdictions (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland). We will discuss, compare, and criticise the latest developments in law, policy and practice in both countries, as well as examine and challenge some of the ethical and philosophical presuppositions behind the latest developments. The workshop will comprise seven papers, with ample discussion time, together with a final roundtable. The papers cover important areas such as the problem of defining consent and best interests, the problem of parents disagreeing with physicians, the problem of assessing and communicating risk, and the problem of evaluating and treating adolescent mental health. All 17 particip ants listed in the proposal have agreed to attend the workshop; and all 7 presenters listed as giving papers have provided titles and abstracts for their papers. After the workshop, the organisers will collect revised submissions into a volume for publication. This would further increase the impact of the workshop on policy and practice in both countries.