NCJ Number
5153
Journal
Albany Law Review Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (SPRING 1972) Pages: 462-487
Date Published
1972
Length
26 pages
Annotation
THE TREATMENT OF COMMUNICABLE OR INFECTIOUS DISEASES, EMOTIONAL DISORDERS, AND DRUG ABUSE AMONG MINORS IS HAMPERED BY PARENTAL CONSENT.
Abstract
BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA ATTACHED TO CERTAIN DISEASES AND DISORDERS, MINORS WILL OFTEN REFUSE TO SEEK BADLY NEEDED MEDICAL TREATMENT UNLESS IT IS CONFIDENTIAL. THE DENIAL OF CONTRACEPTIVE SERVICES AND LEGAL ABORTIONS CONTINUES TO THREATEN THE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF MANY MINOR GIRLS. TO OVERCOME THE RELUCTANCE OF DOCTORS TO TREAT MINORS, LEGISLATIVE ACTION IS EMPHASIZED. ENACTMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE STATUTES REGARDING ALL MEDICAL TREATMENT OF MINORS, AND A REDUCTION OF THE AGE OF MAJORITY TO EIGHTEEN ARE PROPOSED. MINORS' RIGHTS, IN EACH OF THE FIFTY STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO MEDICAL CARE WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT ARE OUTLINED IN THE APPENDIX. REFERENCES MAY BE FOUND IN THE FOOTNOTES.