Legality issue?

Question

I wanna know if you have any right to refuse medical treatment at the age of 15. I don't see why not. Why treat against someone's will?

Well, I live in California. I've been trying to look up data, but.... But surely there's a right to refuse getting a FLU SHOT, right? I mean, that doesn't exactly compromise anyone else's medical health, right?

Answer 1

At 15 your parents have the final say so. If you don't want necessary medical treatment, the doctor can ask that you be made a ward of the state and appoint a legal guardian who will give them permission to treat you. What is it that you don't want to be treated for?

Answer 2

It would be an interesting question. 15 is not considered old enough to make life or death decisions, so the treatment plan would be deferred to the parents. If they weren't in the picture, it would be interesting to see what the courts would do. If I were a doctor, and the situation was life or death, I would force treatment and deal with the consequences afterward. In a less serious situation, I would defer to child services or what have you.

Answer 3

At age 15, you are a minor. The government cannot force you to take a flu shot without the consent of your legal guardian.

Answer 4

There is a great debate about this. It differs by state, as to wether or not your parents can force you to get medicated or receive a certain procedure. Do know that if you are knocked unconscious or incapacitated, a doctor or medic can do what is necessary to protect life and limb.

Answer 5

It depends on the laws of your state. For example, just recently there was a case in Washington that garnered a lot of attention, in which a judge upheld a 14-year-old's right to decide not to have a blood transfusion: http://www.komotv.com/news/local/11909366.html