The primary ethical principle in pediatric health is beneficence, which means acting in the best interests of the child.

Informed consent is required when the child is mature enough to understand the treatment and its risks and benefits, even if the child's parents or guardians do not consent.

Parens patriae is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the treatment is in the child's best interests.

The legal age of majority in the United States is 18.

An emancipated minor is a child who has been legally separated from their parents or guardians and is able to make their own decisions about their medical care.

A mature minor is a child who is considered to be mature enough to make their own decisions about their medical care, even if they are not legally emancipated.

A legally competent minor is a child who is considered to be legally competent to make their own decisions about their medical care.

An independent minor is a child who is considered to be independent and able to make their own decisions about their medical care without the consent of their parents or guardians.

The mature minor doctrine is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the child is mature enough to understand the treatment and its risks and benefits.

substituted judgment is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the child is not mature enough to understand the treatment and its risks and benefits.

Parens patriae is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the treatment is necessary to save the child's life.

Parens patriae is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the treatment is necessary to prevent serious harm to the child.

Parens patriae is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the treatment is necessary to promote the child's health and well-being.

Parens patriae is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the treatment is necessary to protect the child from abuse or neglect.

Parens patriae is the legal doctrine that allows doctors to provide medical treatment to a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians if the treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of a contagious disease.