Parents as decision makers for children.

The continuing high incidence of abuse and neglect requires limits to parental authority over children. Although most parents believe they act in the interests of their children, that alone would not justify interference with a child's liberty. In the area of health care, allowing children some independence from parental control serves three functions: physical protection; respect for autonomy; and protection of public health interests. Despite all that, parents need and deserve to be left alone within broad limits of tolerance, for their sake as well as that of their children.