Informed consent is a process of communication between a clinician and a patient, which results in the patient's agreement to undergo a medical procedure. Rule 19 Part A: Code of Medical Ethics of Nigeria and Section 23 of the National Health Act 2004 prescribe the process of obtaining consent before a medical intervention. The equitable law of torts and/or criminal liabilities that deal with medical negligence should be invoked more often by patients whose right to informed consent is denied by medical practitioners.
Ogundiran TO and Adebamowo CA. Surgeons' opinions and practice of informed consent in Nigeria. J Med Ethics 2010; 36: 741–745.
2.
BergJWAppelbaumPJ. Informed consent: legal theory and clinical practice, 2nd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press Inc., 2001.
3.
Sixth Edition (Centennial Edition 1891–1991).
4.
421 NE2d 869(1981).
5.
Adopted by the 34th WMA, Lisbon Portugal, September/October 1981 and amended by the 47th WMA General Assembly, Bali Indonesia September 1995 and editorially revised by the 171st.
6.
Ibid, PRINCIPLES 3 (b).
7.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
8.
Medical and Dental Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal v Okonkwo (2001) 7 NWLR (Part 71) 79.
9.
Criminal Code Act Chapter 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.
10.
Enemo IP. Medical negligence: liability of healthcare providers and hospitals. Nigerian Juridical Review (2011–2012) 10.
11.
Bolam v Friern Barnet Hospital Management Committee (1957) QBD.
