In some jurisdictions, the law allows minors to make decisions regarding their treatment specialties. These individuals are called mature minors as they are recognized by the Court as wise enough to understand the benefits and the risks of the treatment proposed to them.
However, if the child lacks the capacity to make the decision, a mature minor cannot be implemented. The United States Supreme Court decided that if a child is mature, parents cannot interfere in their child’s choice. A child that can be considered by the Court to be not enough mature has to have various issues explaining the condition. It can be different disorders, malfunctions, and social and psychological difficulties.
The difference between a mature minor and an adult is massive as adults have more responsibilities and a wider spectrum of decisions. Adults choose if the minor is mature enough to estimate all the risks and benefits of the situation.
An adult could be a parent, legal guardian, the Court, or a principal at school. An underaged person is given limited autonomy because of the risks of making a fast not well-thought-of decision. Teenager psychology underlines that adolescents tend to have unstable moods, take decisions fast, and become uncontrollable emotionally.
Due to these reasons, the mature minor’s decision is protected by a confirmation from the adult. To apply for the medical treatment of a mature minor, the latter should have consent from the parents. In every jurisdiction, the parent’s consent depends on the age of a minor. Most of the time, if a person is older than sixteen, the parent’s consent is redundant.