Under Undeniable Rights, when may a person refuse electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

• A. A person may refuse ECT unless they lack the capacity to make the decision
• B. A person may never refuse ECT
• C. A person may refuse only with family consent
• D. A person may be forced to accept ECT regardless of capacity

Answer: (A)

The key idea is patient autonomy tied to decision-making capacity. A person who has the capacity to understand the treatment, its risks and benefits, alternatives, and what may happen if they refuse can choose to refuse electroconvulsive therapy. If they demonstrate that capacity, their decision must be respected.

If capacity is lacking, then the decision can be made by a legally authorized representative or through appropriate legal processes, because the person may not be able to make an informed choice themselves. Capacity can also change over time, so reassessment is important.

So the correct idea is that a person may refuse ECT unless they lack the capacity to make the decision—if they do have capacity, their right to refuse stands.