2. Learn about voluntary consent

Consent means that you agree to something.

The law says you must give your consent to the health-care provider to get medical treatment. And for your consent to be valid it must be:

• informed, and
• voluntary.

Step 1 talks about informed consent.

Voluntary consent

You must agree to the treatment on your own without anyone forcing you. This means that you're giving voluntary consent.

You should not decide because you feel pressure from your doctor, your family, or anyone else. It must be your decision.

For example, if you have cancer and are not going to get better, you may want to stop your treatment. But your family members could say that if you stop, they'll not help you anymore. If you continue your treatment for that reason, your consent is not voluntary. 

These situations can be very difficult. Talking to a counsellor or spiritual advisor could help you and your family decide what's best. If you're in the hospital, ask about any services they might have to help you.

Changing your mind

You might start getting a treatment and then decide to stop. You can do this. But if you do, tell your health-care provider as soon as possible. Explain clearly what you've decided.

You do not have to give a reason for changing your mind. But it may be helpful to tell your health-care provider why you made the decision.

They must do what you want, even if they do not agree with it.

Put your decision in writing

It may be best to tell your health-care provider in writing that you no longer consent to the treatment. This is especially true if:

• you first gave your consent in writing, or
• your health-care provider does not agree with your decision.

Stopping the treatment

If the treatment has started, your health-care provider should end it in a safe way and as soon as possible.

For example, you may want to stop taking a drug. Your health-care provider should tell you if you need to do this slowly to avoid bad side effects.