§ 38. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Health whether, under National Health Service practice, a husband is entitled to countermand his wife's instructions for her own treatment in hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNo, Sir, though I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick) on 21st November last.—[Vol. 736, c. 216.]
§ Mrs. ButlerWhilst I do not seek to minimise the rights of individuals to refuse particular forms of treatment on conscientious or personal grounds, is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable concern about the feudal rights that husbands appear to have in some cases? Could he comment on the recent case reported in the Press of a husband who was apparently able to refuse a blood transfusion to his wife although she was said to have given her consent to it beforehand?
§ Mr. RobinsonI would only comment to the extent of telling my hon. Friend that I am advised that a husband has no right to override his wife's wishes in the matter of treatment.