In order for [procedure] treatment to be morally permitted, it is necessary to obtain at least the [freedom] [competence] [understanding] [directness] [voice] of the affected party.
| voice | directness | freedom | understanding | competence | procedure |
| consent | explicit | free | comprehended | competent | emergency |
| silence | proxy | | | disclosed | | | beneficial |
| | | implied | pressured | uninformed | | | nonbeneficial |
| refusal | presumed | coerced | misinformed | incompetent | detrimental |