Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Review children's critical care decision law

Closed 2,914 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the Government to review laws around critical care decisions to ensure parents are central in decision-making for critically ill children. We want NHS bodies to be required to consult parents as equals, be required to get a second opinion from an agreed upon specialist and offer mediation.
We also want NHS bodies to fund legal parental representation in court cases and allow children’s transfer to other hospitals in the UK and outside. We believe that parents can be side-lined, shut out of critical care decisions, or enter agonising legal battles. We feel that the NHS and Cafcass sometimes give little weight to parent’s views. Instead of collaboration, families may face emotional & financial stress. We believe no parent should be excluded from their child’s care and that the Government must ensure a system that respects parent’s rights.

Timeline

17 Apr 2025 Petition opened for signatures
17 Oct 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 2,914
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 17 Apr 2025
Closed 17 Oct 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 30 Jul 2026.