Parents

In most cases, the relationship with your doctor is confidential. That is to say that what you say to your doctor, and what he tells you, you still only two.

In each province of Canada, the age when you can get care without the consent of your parents and any confidentiality may vary. Also, each province has different laws about what should be confidential and what should be reported to authorities.Before making an appointment, call the doctor or clinic where you want to view and asked what is confidential. Also, in a doctor's office, you can ask him what he is obliged to notify the authorities of youth protection or the police or your parents.

But we must not forget that everywhere in Canada before the age of 16 to 18 years by the provinces, there are certain things that can not be kept secret between you and your doctor.  For example, if you are victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault, physical abuse and neglect.The law requires the person who knows or even suspects these situations relate to the competent authorities, most of the time agencies protection of youth.Moreover, it is possible that your doctor must notify your parents or authorities if you could threaten your life or that of others.

• You question whether you have sexual activities soon and you'd like to have information on sexuality.
• Or you have already had sex and you worry of being pregnant or you want to know where t'adresser for information on contraceptive methods.
• You worry sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or you want to know if you have one.
• However, if you consult your family doctor, you fear that your parents learn.

Well, a doctor does not tell your parents that you or sexual activity STI or that you use a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. It is the role of doctor to take care of your health, not judge you.Most provincial laws protecting confidentiality in these situations, again depending on your age.

If you are not sure (e) confidentiality or if you're not happy (e) or not satisfied (e) your doctor, there are clinics or doctors for teens that you can see for information and care.These clinics can even make you pass certain tests, such as a pregnancy test, you prescribe contraception and treat STIs free or at very little cost.You can t'informer to the school nurse who often knows these clinics or doctors for adolescents.

Here is a brief summary of provincial laws. However, informes from your doctor or provincial government because laws may change.

In Canada, the law stipulates that a minor may consent to medical treatment, provided that the physician is satisfied that the minor has the capacity to understand the nature, purpose and possible consequences of the proposed treatment.

It is worth recalling that when a child recognizes the capacity to consent, the physician's obligation to respect confidentiality as if it were an adult.

For provinces that do not have specific laws on consent, the principles set forth above in connection with the consent apply. However, several provinces have laws that specify when and how a minor (younger than 18) can consent to medical treatment.We give a brief overview. The laws concerning the protection of youth or mental health are not mentioned.

Prince Edward Island: there is nothing in the law that specifies at what age a minor can consent to medical treatment. However, it is mentioned that no surgery can be performed without the written consent of parents or guardians, if the patient is unmarried and under 18.

New Brunswick: it says that minors aged 16 and over are considered adults in regard to consent to medical treatment.

Also, minors aged under 16 can consent at medical treatment if, in the opinion of a legally qualified physician and the written opinion of another:

• the minor is capable of understanding the nature and consequences of medical treatment
• medical treatment and procedures are considered in the best interest of the minor.

Quebec: a minor aged 14 and older may consent to health care. If a minor must remain in a health institution for more than 12 hours, parents or guardians must be notified.The consent of parents or guardians is required if care involve a serious risk to the health of the minor or it can cause severe and permanent. The authorization of the court is required to compel a minor aged 14 and over to care if he refuses, except in emergencies, if the minor's life is in danger or his integrity threatened, in which case the consent of parents or guardians is sufficient.

Ontario: A person is able to consent to treatment or admission to a health center if that person can understand information relevant to a decision on this treatment or take the consequences of a decision or lack of decision. When the health professional believes the person is incapable of understanding the nature of treatment, he must obtain the consent of parents or guardians. A person may be incapable of making a decision to face certain treatments and able to face others. No surgery can be done if parents or guardians have not signed the consent if the patient is not married or is younger than 16 years.

Manitoba: people aged 16 and over are presumed to have the ability to make decisions about their health and consent. A person has the ability to make decisions about his health if it is able to understand the relevant information in connection with that decision and able to appreciate the consequences of this decision.

Saskatchewan's written consent must be obtained from parents or guardians for surgery if the patient is unmarried and under 18.

British Columbia: a minor can only consent to health care. The consent is valid if the health professional explained to the minor and is satisfied that the juvenile understands the nature, consequences, benefits and risks of treatment.