Biobanking involving children is both a vital opportunity and an imperative resource that advances medical research that specifically concerns the health and well-being of minors. It is therefore important that children and young adults are given the chance to participate in biobanking.
There are however unique issues that come with the involvement of minors given that they are still growing and developing. What this means is that they will not have the same ability as adults to express their needs and may not have the capacity to give consent. As a result, special safeguards are required to ensure that their interests are protected.
It is also imperative that biobanking involving children is viewed as a partnership with the child and their family. Biobanks therefore have a key role in viewing and including minors as active participants as well as protecting their rights. In practice, this means that biobanks must be vigilant in ensuring that they have the necessary safeguards and oversight processes in place that are designed to protect the interests of minors as they grow and mature. This will mean adjusting consent practices accordingly over time as the child grows.
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