Severely disabled people can now consent to care arrangements, Supreme Court rules
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that severely disabled individuals aged 16 and over can consent to care arrangements even if they lack the mental capacity to do so. This decision overrides previous legal standards and has sparked concern among disability rights charities regarding potential human rights implications.
Why it matters
This ruling fundamentally alters the legal framework for care and liberty for thousands of disabled people across the UK, potentially impacting how health departments manage care placements.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Marie-Louise Connolly Health correspondent, BBC News NI Getty Images The judgement, which was triggered by a case brought by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland, will apply across the UK Severely disabled people aged 16 and over will now be able to give consent to their care arrangements despite not having the capacity to do so, the Supreme Court has ruled.
The article presents the court ruling neutrally while including the perspectives of both the government and advocacy groups.
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