Do Adolescents Have the Right to Make Autonomous Medical Choices?
The World Health Organization defines adolescence as “the period in human growth and development that occurs after childhood and before adulthood, from ages 10 to 19.” During this stage, it is expected for one to seek independence and authority when making decisions i.e., what clothes to wear, who to communicate with, etc. In most cases the decision to be made are easy calls, however, there maybe instances where the decision is more complex, like medical care. Medical decisions for adolescents are commonly made by their parents. The question is, should an adolescent be allowed to make it medical decision on their own? Medical decisions concerning adolescents should remain to their parents due to set similar age based laws, lack of maturity, wisdom and experience and scientifically, and the adolescent brain function has not fully developed. …show more content…
For example, there are numerous laws that are based on age such as drinking, smoking and driving. Such laws were based on scientists proving that drinking and smoking during the adolescent age has a negative effect on the teenage brain and body, more so than an adult. Consequently leading to irreversible brain damage and addiction, especially between ages 15 and 17 (Dolaskie). Moreover, there is even a debate to increase the driving age from 16 to 18 due to the number of fatal accidents caused by teenage drivers who lack experience. By creating such laws, the government has sought out to protect adolescents from making health-deteriorating decisions and is correct in not allowing adolescents make autonomous medical
The World Health Organization defines adolescence as “the period in human growth and development that occurs after childhood and before adulthood, from ages 10 to 19.” During this stage, it is expected for one to seek independence and authority when making decisions i.e., what clothes to wear, who to communicate with, etc. In most cases the decision to be made are easy calls, however, there maybe instances where the decision is more complex, like medical care. Medical decisions for adolescents are commonly made by their parents. The question is, should an adolescent be allowed to make it medical decision on their own? Medical decisions concerning adolescents should remain to their parents due to set similar age based laws, lack of maturity, wisdom and experience and scientifically, and the adolescent brain function has not fully developed. …show more content…
For example, there are numerous laws that are based on age such as drinking, smoking and driving. Such laws were based on scientists proving that drinking and smoking during the adolescent age has a negative effect on the teenage brain and body, more so than an adult. Consequently leading to irreversible brain damage and addiction, especially between ages 15 and 17 (Dolaskie). Moreover, there is even a debate to increase the driving age from 16 to 18 due to the number of fatal accidents caused by teenage drivers who lack experience. By creating such laws, the government has sought out to protect adolescents from making health-deteriorating decisions and is correct in not allowing adolescents make autonomous medical