Quote:
Originally posted by fluffho
mainly, i am curious as to the legality of this. im not sure how accurate the practice is as i just watched law and order ( my mom watches this) and even they do some stupid crap. wish i knew a judge or lawyer or someone!
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Hmm, do I not count? :(
I don't know if different states have different laws, but I know the majority rule.
A competent adult may refuse any medical treatment. A parent has great latitude in how to raise their child, but the state will intervene and overrule the parent(s) in order to give a child potential life saving medical care. A child is viewed to not have the mental capacity to decide to refuse medical care until he/she reaches the age of capacity (usually 18, but depends on the state) or has become legally independent (married, emancipation, etc.).