Who has the legal right to refuse treatment?

The legal right to refuse treatment primarily resides with a mentally competent adult. This is grounded in the principle of autonomy, which holds that individuals have the right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare, as long as they possess the capacity to understand the nature, risks, and implications of their choices.

A mentally competent adult can assess their medical condition, understand the information provided by healthcare providers, and make informed decisions about their treatment options. This right to refuse treatment is a core aspect of patient rights and is upheld by legal frameworks that protect individuals from unwanted medical interventions.

In contrast, individuals who are mentally incompetent or unable to make informed decisions, such as minors or unresponsive patients, do not have the same legal capacity to refuse treatment. In these cases, consent or refusal typically falls to parents, guardians, or legally appointed representatives.