Consent and Assent in Pediatric Research: Whose Right Is It Anyway?

Although the right to health care is not written into the U.S. Constitution, moral and ethical tenets govern the delivery of optimal medical care universally and across the life continuum. Pertaining to children, in accordance with the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child of 1924 and the United Nations Human Rights General Assembly adoption of the Rights of the Child in 1959, parents or guardians are responsible for the health and well-being of a child until age 18 years. Much consideration is needed regarding the anatomic, physiologic, emotional, and cognitive development of children when making decisions regarding their health care and, particularly, when enrolling them into research studies.