What should a physician do regarding suspected child abuse?

In cases of suspected child abuse, a physician has a critical responsibility to act in the best interest of the child. Performing an examination without the consent of parents or the minor, especially when there is a suspicion of abuse, ensures that the child receives the necessary medical evaluation and care swiftly.

The rationale behind this is grounded in protecting the child's safety and well-being. In situations where abuse is suspected, delays caused by waiting for parental consent can pose additional risk to the child, as it may allow further harm to occur. Additionally, minors, particularly those who are victims of abuse, may not have the ability to consent appropriately, thus the medical professional may proceed with the examination to gather essential information for potential legal or protective actions.

Other approaches, such as informing the parents immediately or waiting for parental consent, could compromise the integrity of the investigation or potentially put the child at further risk. Consulting with a lawyer may be necessary at some point, but the immediate focus should be on the child's safety and health, making prompt action essential.