17th National Paediatrics Bioethics Conference
DATES
Wednesday September 2nd - Friday September 4thLocation
Ella Latham Theatre, The Royal Children's Hospital and online.
About
Join us for the 17th National Paediatrics Bioethics Conference. The theme for 2026 is The ‘Best Interests’ Standard: Myth, Mandate or Moving Target?The ‘best interests’ standard can sometimes present as a mythic ideal; an apparently objective, singular answer to what should be done for a child. The ‘best interests’ standard can also function as a mandate. It is a legal and ethical obligation that requires the wellbeing of the child to be the basis for paediatric decision-making, providing a protective framework and justification for medical decisions in this vulnerable population. In reality, the ‘best interests’ standard is also a moving target, shaped by evolving evidence, shifting social and cultural norms and values, advances in medicine, and the unique circumstances of each child and family. What is considered in a child’s best interests may change over time, vary across disciplines or between individuals with unique values, or differ between communities.
The standard position in paediatric practice is to defer to parents as the legally and ethically recognised decision-maker for their child. This sometimes causes tension and conflict where parents and clinicians disagree. This year’s conference will focus on the challenges of deciding what is best for the child in clinical practice. We will explore the complexity of the foundational ethical and legal ‘best interest’ principle, as well as alternative concepts for guiding paediatric decision-making including the ‘Harm Principle’, ‘Constrained Parental Autonomy’, the ‘Reasonable Interest’ standard, and the ‘Zone of Parental Discretion’. While an objective, consensus view on what constitutes any child’s best interests may remain a myth, there is value in pursuing a collective understanding.
We hope you can join us, 2-4 September 2026, at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, to examine the 'best interests' standard.
Information on keynote speakers coming soon.
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17th National Paediatrics Bioethics Conference
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