2007-09-25 15:51:09 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
I'm not the parent or the child. Just gathering information for someone I know.
2007-09-25 15:59:41 · update #1
If the parents wanted a circumcision for their son, why didn't they have it done when he was born? I suppose though, hypothetically, they would have say until he was a certain age, although depending on the doctor, he might not be willing to do it if the teenager did not want it.
2007-09-25 16:07:51 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Parents do have all the power until a child is 18 but in certain situations there are exceptions.
If the circumcision was medically necessary, yes the child would have to have it done.
If they are all of a sudden deciding that they made a mistake not getting it done when he was a baby, maybe not.
A circumcision at any age past infancy carries with it a lot of risk. A doctor would not perform the surgery when the patient clearly did not want it, just for cosmetic reasons.
The patients could also call the family courts and have a temporary guardian appointed so that any medical decisions would be made by the courts and not by parents who are misguided.
I hope that this is only a hypothetical question as it would be a horrible situation to be in.
2007-09-26 01:01:43 · answer #2 · answered by ChefMel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unlike those circumcised as infants, you have the ability to say no. This is your body we are talking about, after all. Like the others have said, if things get really bad, you can go see someone, like child-protection services. Tell your parents that nothing is wrong with you. In fact, tell them about the three main functions of the foreskin: 1. It protects the sensitive glans from drying out and becoming numb. 2. It reduces friction during sex, making sex more comfortable for both partners. 3. The foreskin contains nerve endings that directly contribute to sexual pleasure. Circumcision causes permanent damage, and nobody should have it forced upon them. If things get really, really bad, such as physical grabbing by your parents, you need some way to defend yourself. If you can't get child-support services, and you can't convince your parents of the function of the foreskin, drastic action needs to be taken; you cannot lose erogenous tissue because of your family's bias. Make sure that your room has a lock, and keep a weapon on hand for self defense, such as a knife. This is far too drastic and may be unrealistic, but every option must be considered. That, or you can call the cops. Hopefully, such actions won't be necessary.
2016-05-18 22:27:53 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think although legally they might be able to, I don't think many doctors would agree to do it if the son made his objections very clear. After all, it is not life-saving or even medically necessary and is still technically cosmetic in most places.
The child would most likely be able to request some sort of advocate or hearing and if his case is convincing then the parents might lose the right to make such decisions for him.
It obviously depends where you live. Also the situation might not have been "tested" yet. If it did go ahead there could well be a legal case there, unlike with a baby.
2007-09-25 22:58:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Parents are responsible for minor children's medical care, however, in some states, there is an age that once past, the minor must also agree to the procedure.
I don't understand why parents would force a circumcision on a teenager, unless there is a valid medical reason. Baring a valid medical reason, a circumcision is purely optional, but it is not reversible.
2007-09-25 16:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by Dan H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Forcing teenagers is impossible , sitting together and explaining the symptoms about if he did or didn't have one is a better option, if he doesn't want it at all ,the parents should consider accepting that fact . The Doc won't do any procedure if the boy won't agree. I don't think the law has anything to do with it . But if abuse occurs.... law is in.
2007-09-25 17:03:07 · answer #6 · answered by T.U 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would like to say that a surgeon would only do it if medically necessary, when the child doesnt want it done, but i cant. some doctors will perform a surgery without questioning the child. parents have the final say so. it is a good idea to have a circumsision, though. i have seen so many little boys and young teenagers who dont know how to take care of the foreskin. some because they have single moms who dont know what to tell them. others i am not sure why. but i do know that if not properly taken care of, they can get infections and bad scarring that prevents the foreskin from even being retracted! so i feel that the boy should be properly informed about the pros and cons of not having a circumcision. then his parents should respect the decision that he makes.
2007-09-25 16:14:39 · answer #7 · answered by Madi's Mum 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
My ex had it done at 9 years old, he wasn't given a choice any more than he would any other surgery. I don't think he would have been given a choice at 17 either if his parents and doctor wanted it done.
One of my nephews had brain surgery at 17 because his parents and doctors decided it was best for him.
If the child can get a court order taking his medical decisions away from his parents he might be able to prevent it if he can't get anyone to agree that it isn't needed.
2007-09-25 16:30:44 · answer #8 · answered by shipwreck 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No they can not force it nor will a doctor do ot without the young mans consent. Doctors need the patients consent to perform elective surgery. Parents DO NOT have all the say in young adults health care matters.
2007-09-26 00:49:01 · answer #9 · answered by MadMike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Teenage as in 15 or above or teenage as in 13? Either way...why now? Medical procedure for the life or well being of the child yes...religious no
2007-09-25 18:15:30 · answer #10 · answered by Glinda W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋