Alabama state Sen. Larry Stutts has introduced a bill that would raise the age at which individuals can make their own medical decisions from 14 to 18. The bill aims to strengthen parental rights and involvement in healthcare decisions for minors.
Alabama state Sen. Larry Stutts, a Republican from Tuscumbia, has introduced a bill that would raise the age at which individuals can make their own medical decisions from 14 to 18. Currently, Alabama law allows minors aged 14 or older who have graduated high school, or who are married, divorced, or pregnant, to consent to medical, dental, and mental health services for themselves.
Stutts' bill seeks to amend this, requiring individuals to be 18 years old to give consent unless they are married, divorced, pregnant, emancipated, or living independently from their parents or legal guardians. The bill's provisions extend to participation in school counseling services, bone marrow donation, decisions related to pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, alcohol or drug dependency, and vaccine administration. \Stutts emphasizes the importance of parental rights and responsibilities in healthcare decisions. He argues that parents, being responsible for their children's daily needs, should be involved in crucial decisions affecting their well-being. The bill also prohibits healthcare providers and government entities from denying parents access to their child's health information, barring exceptions like court orders or investigations into potential child abuse. Stutts acknowledges that there are circumstances where parental involvement might not be ideal but stresses that, in general, parental knowledge is beneficial, citing the example of a child's drug use. \School counselors, under this legislation, would need to notify parents or obtain their consent before providing counseling services to students. Stutts clarifies that the bill includes exceptions for life-threatening situations and imminent danger, noting that these are already covered in existing laws. He emphasizes that school counselors would still be obligated to intervene in cases of immediate danger without waiting for parental consent. Stutts expresses his personal belief that parents should be informed about their children's counseling needs, drawing from his own experience as a grandparent. While acknowledging that these restrictions might discourage some minors from seeking help due to potential parental reactions, Stutts argues that family involvement can significantly improve the chances of success in addressing issues like substance abuse.
MEDICAL CONSENT MINORS ALABAMA PARENTS SCHOOL COUNSELORS HEALTHCARE
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