Bodily Autonomy and Informed Consent
The General Assembly,
Recognizing that individuals retain inherent rights over their own bodies and personal autonomy,
Affirming that informed consent is a fundamental component of ethical medical practice and the protection of human dignity,
Concerned that the absence of clear international standards may enable coercive, harmful, or non‑consensual medical practices,
Determined to establish foundational protections while preserving the ability of member nations to administer their own medical systems,
Hereby enacts the following:
1. Definitions
For the purposes of this resolution:
a. “Medical intervention” means any procedure, treatment, examination, or action that directly affects an individual’s bodily integrity.
b. “Informed consent” means voluntary, revocable agreement to a medical intervention, given after the individual has been provided reasonably accessible information about the nature, purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the intervention.
c. “Coercion” means any threat, penalty, manipulation, or undue pressure that would reasonably compromise an individual's ability to freely consent.
d. “Emergency circumstances” means situations in which delaying medical intervention would pose an imminent threat to an individual’s life or risk severe and immediate harm.
e. “Incapacitated individual” means any person who, due to age, unconsciousness, cognitive impairment, or other condition recognized by the member nation, cannot meaningfully provide informed consent.
f. “Responsible authority” means any medical professional or other lawfully empowered individual authorized to perform or order a medical intervention.
2. Rights
a. Individuals possess a fundamental right to bodily autonomy.
b. Individuals must not be subjected to medical intervention without informed consent, except as permitted under Section 4.
c. Individuals have the right to refuse or withdraw consent to a medical intervention, unless doing so would cause imminent harm under emergency circumstances.
d. Individuals must be informed of their basic rights and provided reasonably accessible information necessary to make an informed decision.
e. Individuals must not be subjected to coercive or involuntary medical procedures.
f. Individuals must have access to a lawful avenue to challenge alleged violations of bodily autonomy or informed consent.
3. Obligations of Member Nations
Member nations shall:
a. Establish and maintain lawful procedures ensuring that medical interventions generally require informed consent.
b. Take reasonable measures to prevent coercive medical practices within their jurisdiction.
c. Ensure that responsible authorities provide individuals with information sufficient for informed consent, adapted to the medical context and the individual’s circumstances.
d. Maintain procedures for obtaining consent from guardians or lawful proxies for minors or incapacitated individuals.
e. Maintain lawful processes for emergency circumstances in which consent cannot be obtained.
f. Provide individuals with a means to challenge violations of the rights established in this resolution, through judicial, administrative, or other lawful mechanisms.
4. Exceptions
The requirements of informed consent do not apply when:
a. Emergency circumstances make obtaining consent impracticable and immediate intervention is necessary to prevent imminent harm.
b. A minor or incapacitated individual receives consent from a guardian or lawful proxy, consistent with member nation law.
c. Member nations undertake public health interventions that do not involve bodily intrusion.
d. Member nations perform non‑intrusive medical screenings necessary for public safety or health.
e. Member nations identify additional emergency categories, provided such categories are justified, lawful, and consistent with the principles of bodily autonomy.
5. Implementation
a. Member nations retain full authority over the administration, enforcement, and regulation of consent procedures within their jurisdiction.
b. Nothing in this resolution shall be construed to require the creation of any new World Assembly body or to empower any existing body to compel member nations to act or refrain from acting.
c. The World Assembly may interpret this resolution through future legislation, but enforcement remains the responsibility of member nations.
6. Final Provision
This resolution establishes foundational protections for bodily autonomy and informed consent while preserving the flexibility necessary for member nations to administer their own medical systems.
