1. Solving real-life bioethical dilemmas
A practical case:
Minors (Application of Art. 6 (Consent) of the UNESCO Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights and Articles 5-9 of the CoE Oviedo Convention)
JB, a 5 year old girl, is brought to hospital by her parents with symptoms of fever and weakness. Upon further examination acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is suspected, but a bone biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. The parents are informed of the procedure for the “bone marrow pin-prick” and give their consent. When a diagnosis of ALL is confirmed, the standard chemotherapy treatment is explained to the parents as well as the probable prolongation of life for a few years. On realizing the cost involved in this treatment and that “success” is not guaranteed, the parents are distraught and feel it is not worth continuing treatment.
An Opinion of the clinical ethics committee is requested by the medical team.

2. Solving real-life bioethical dilemmas
In analysing this case, you should focus on:
The principle of informed consent in this specific context (i.e. what do we mean by “informed” and “consent”?)
What is the relevant informed consent process?
Should any kind of exception to this principle apply to the present case?