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Children’s Right to Health

Every child must receive health protection according to their needs. Children in Latvia have the right to free health care. Treatment of children under the age of 14 shall be permitted if their legal representative has been informed thereof and has given their consent. A minor patient has the right to be heard and, in accordance with their age and maturity, to participate in decisions related to their medical treatment. Every child has the right to receive information from a medical practitioner that is understandable for their age and maturity. From the age of 14, a child can turn to a medical institution themselves and receive medical services.

Example: I accompanied my child to a doctor’s visit. The doctor made a diagnosis, but it was only explained to me, in a very difficult language. I had to try to explain the condition to my child, in an more accessible language/terms.