Informed Consent
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance.
What is this right?
Before any medical treatment, you have the right to receive enough information to make an informed decision. This principle comes from the landmark High Court case Rogers v Whitaker (1992), which established that a doctor must tell you about any material risk — that is, any risk that a reasonable person in your position would want to know about.
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights reinforces this by guaranteeing your right to:
- Clear information about your condition, treatment options, benefits, and risks
- Ask questions and receive answers you can understand
- Accept or refuse any treatment, test, or procedure
- Seek a second opinion from another doctor
- Withdraw consent at any time, even after you initially agreed
Consent must be voluntary — no one can force or pressure you into a medical decision. If you lack the capacity to consent, a legally authorised substitute decision-maker (such as someone with medical power of attorney) may consent on your behalf.
When does it apply?
- Before any medical treatment, procedure, or test — from a blood test to major surgery.
- When a doctor recommends a change in your treatment plan.
- In emergency situations, a doctor may proceed without consent if delay would endanger your life, but must inform you as soon as possible afterwards.
- For children under 18, a parent or guardian generally provides consent, though mature minors may consent for themselves (Gillick competence).
What should you do?
- Ask your doctor to explain your diagnosis, the proposed treatment, alternatives, and the risks of each option in plain language.
- Take your time — you are not required to decide on the spot unless it is a genuine emergency.
- Bring a support person to appointments if it helps you understand and remember the information.
- Request written information if verbal explanations are not enough.
- Ask about the consequences of doing nothing so you can weigh all options.
- Put your preferences in an advance care directive so your wishes are known if you lose capacity in the future.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't sign a consent form unless you fully understand what you are agreeing to.
- Don't feel pressured — you always have the right to refuse treatment or ask for more time.
- Don't assume silence is consent — your agreement must be clearly expressed, either verbally or in writing.
- Don't ignore your right to a second opinion — getting another view is a normal part of healthcare decision-making.
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