Mature Minor Child Essay

In Ohio, anyone under 18 years of age is considered a minor child. Ohio differentiates between a minor being a “mature minor” and “emancipated minor.” According to law, if a minor child is at least 15 years of age, the state may consider the child to be a “mature minor” if the child can demonstrate to their health care provider they have an understanding of their medical condition and treatment options (www.ohiobar.org). If this can be demonstrated, then parental consent is not warranted for medical treatment. While an emancipated minor, is a child of any age, who can demonstrate in a court of law they are no longer require the protection of a parent or guardian. Additionally, Ohio has “statutory exceptions” laws in which a minor child can consent for medical treatment as it relates to receiving a diagnosis and treatment for any venereal disease, condition caused by drug abuse or alcohol, tested for HIV and treated for AIDS or AIDS related conditions, giving blood (must be at least 17 years of age), and mental health treatment (must be at least 14 years of age) for a limited number of outpatient services (www.ohiobar.org). As it relates to sexual activity, a minor child in Ohio can consent to sexual activity at 17 years of age. However, any minor child can consent to the gathering of physical evidence for suspect sexual abuse or rape, pregnancy testing, and …show more content…
I reside in a small, but growing, rural county in which the inhabitants of the county make it point to know everything they can about others. It is because of this tight-knit, good-ole- boys community mindset, I foresee many obstacles for a minor child petitioning the courts for approval to bypass parent consent or knowledge of an unwanted pregnancy; in the community, this news would spread quickly and get back to the child’s