SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 639
Clinical Management → Clinical Practice
Classification
Question
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Gillick competence
Question Stem
Which statement best describes Gillick competence?
Options
A
Parental authority to consent for treatment of a child
B
The ability of an under-age child to give valid consent
C
A requirement for court approval of treatment below 16 years
D
Automatic competence once a child reaches 16 years
E
A parent’s right to access all records of a child
Explanation
Gillick competence describes the ability of an under-age child to give valid consent. It arose from the Gillick case concerning contraceptive advice and treatment for girls under 16.
Option Validity
A) Gillick competence concerns the child’s own ability to consent, not parental authority.
C) There is no requirement for a court to confirm competence for treatment below age 16.
D) The concept specifically addresses competence below 16; it is not defined as automatic competence at 16.
E) A Gillick-competent child may deny parental access to records; this does not create an unconditional parental right.
Further Reading
Saxena MRCOG-1 Basic Sciences — Principles of Clinical Practice, printed pp. 3–4.