Demography (age in years) | 0 | 0 | ⩽2 | >2 to ⩽14 | >14 |
Biological relationship; possible forms of permission to research | Parents; informed permission† | Parents; informed permission† | Parents; informed permission† |
Fetus; implicit assent | Infant; implicit assent | Child; assent | Child; assent or consent |
Philosophy | Status as a human being recognised only when the full capability of free decision is reached | Full capability of free decision (age, maturity) |
Religion | Status as a human being recognised from conception onwards |
Ethics | Ethical regulators: decisions apply to all ages |
Law | Status as a human and requirement/possibility for individual consent depending on national legislations |