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Is blood thicker than water? Perceptions on the role of stepparents in medical decisions among minors.

Manon WillekensDavid De ConinckPeter de WinterKoen MatthijsSteven LiermanIngrid BooneJaan Toelen
Published in: Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and community (2023)
Alternative family configurations are becoming more prevalent, yet current legislative statutory does not support stepparents in medical decisions for their stepchildren. We investigate opinions of Belgian and Dutch adults regarding inclusion of stepparents in medical decision-making in minors. We make two observations. First, participants wanted stepparents to be involved in cases when medical information had to be shared or informed consent signed. Second, when stepparents object against previously approved medical interventions by a biological parent, respondents were less likely to support stepparents. Participants with stepchildren were likely to favour inclusion of stepparents in decision-making. Overall, our findings indicate that Belgian and Dutch adults view stepparents as potential executive actors in medical decision-making for minors, but not as primary decision-makers. This study is a first step in showing to what extent stepparents could be included in medical information and decision-making regarding stepchildren. We reflect on these findings in light of implications for medical practice and legislative shortcomings.
Keyphrases
  • healthcare
  • decision making
  • primary care
  • social media
  • health information
  • climate change