Paternalism is contrasted with respect for autonomy and is the process of deciding for one individual based on someone else’s assessment of that individual’s best interests.  It is what appropriately characterizes decision making for infants and young children, but is seen as less appropriate as an individual’s capacity for making decisions develops.

In health care, there is an extensive history of health care providers (primarily but not exclusively physicians) deciding on behalf of others, reflected in the cliche “doctor knows best”.