My son needs to have his wisdom teeth removed but refuses. He is 16. What are his rights regarding this? Is he allowed to refuse surgery or can I enforce this? Please give specific sources.
2007-11-26 07:37:23 · 3 answers · asked by John S 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First off....he needs to know that the surgery is extremely easy and darn near painless. In fact, I don't recall ANY pain whatsoever!
If he's so strongly against it...I might suggest he sees what pain he'll suffer when the teeth become impacted, diseased, painful, and gets to a point where even the anti-botics have trouble curing his pain!
Sounds like he just needs to sit down with the doctor and get it first hand!
2007-11-26 07:48:10 · answer #1 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, no, he cannot on his own refuse the surgery. He's a minor and under your control.
As a practical matter, though, I VERY much doubt that you'll find a dental surgeon willing to perform the surgery on an unwilling 16 year old. An unwilling 8 year old, sure, but not a teen.
To Kissy.. the age of medical consent is the age at which you can *consent* to treatment without having to consult your parents first. Until you're an adult, though, your parents can still *legally* override your decision. Again though, as a *practical* matter, most Doctors will not (unless it's a life threatening situation) impose medical treatment on a teenager against his will, even if his parents want him to.
Richard
2007-11-26 15:44:04 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the state that I live in (Virginia) 14 is the age of medical consent.
When those things start to hurt, he'll change his mind. When mine were impacted, I would've sold my soul to get them out.
2007-11-26 15:42:18 · answer #3 · answered by Sandy Sandals 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋