Question

In most cases, who is (are) the usual and appropriate surrogate decision maker(s) for a newborn?

Answer 1

The usual and appropriate surrogate decision makers for a newborn are the biological parents, but in specific situations or cases of incapacity, other family members like grandparents could take on that role.

Step-by-step explanation:

In most cases, the usual and appropriate surrogate decision makers for a newborn are their biological parents. This is largely because parents can provide consent on behalf of their children, recognizing that children, including newborns, are not competent to provide consent for themselves. Situations can become complex when surrogate mothers or gestational carriers are involved, as they may carry and give birth to a child, which is then raised by another person or couple. However, typically, the biological parents who intend to raise the child will be the ones making decisions in their child's best interests, including medical decisions, unless they are deemed unfit or incapable of doing so. In certain circumstances, such as if the biological parents are unable to make decisions on behalf of their child due to reasons like incapacity or legal restrictions, other family members, such as grandparents, may become surrogate decision makers.

Answer 2

The parents are the usual and appropriate surrogate decision makers for a newborn. The child was the product of their love so they should be the one to decide for the child. It could be inferred that they would be deciding for the betterment of the child because it is assumed that the parents love the child. Therefore, parents are the appropriate surrogate decision maker for a newborn except if proven otherwise.