Gillick competence refers to which situation?

• A. The principle that a child under 16 cannot consent to treatment
• B. When a child under 16 is judged to have mature understanding to consent to their own treatment
• C. A legal doctrine allowing adults over 18 to consent on behalf of others
• D. The requirement that all minors must have parental consent

Answer: (B)

Gillick competence is about a child under 16 having the capacity to consent to their own treatment if they can understand what is involved. It’s not about age alone but about whether the child has sufficient understanding to grasp the nature, purpose, risks, and consequences of the proposed treatment.

This is why the correct description is that a child under 16 is judged to have mature understanding to consent to their own treatment. In practice, you assess the child’s understanding and ability to make an informed choice; if they have it, their consent stands without needing parental approval. If they lack it, parents may consent or other legal arrangements may apply.

The other options don’t fit because they imply a blanket rule that under-16s cannot consent, focus on adults, or require parental consent in all cases. Gillick competence recognizes that some minors can consent themselves.