Yesterday, this comment was posted to my last blog about the hpv vaccine:
"do parents have the right to decide for you whether or not you receive this vaccine? im 16."
Boy, did that send chills up my spine! Being in disagreement with your parents on an issue that can affect your future poses hard problems.
If you can talk this out directly with your parents, that would probably be best. Or, if you know another adult they might listen to, consider getting that person to help you. If this becomes a legal matter, you could end up in a situation in which you have to decide between the relationship you have with your parents and what you think is best for your health.
As a lawyer, I cannot give you specific legal advice through this blog. But... I can give you information that may help.
1) Wherever you are, there are laws about the age of majority; the line between being a "minor" who usually can't make important decisions about herself and an adult who can. Depending upon where you are, you might already have the legal authority to make this decision.
2) In some places there are different ages of majority. For example, you may be able to get married without parental consent at 16, but not able to vote until 18, and not able to drink until 21.
3) In the US, you'll find lots more law and discussion about a minor's right to consent to medical care than the right to refuse it. Most of the "right to consent" issues have come up in the context of contraceptives and abortions. Try searching on a minor's right to refuse.
4) In many jurisdictions, a minor can go to court to request permission to do something that his or her parents won't allow. This is a very serious step. It could change the nature of your relationship with your parents forever.
You can search the web or ask a local librarian how to find information on these topics. If none of these give you the answer you need or want, in many locations you can get free legal advice and help, sometimes called "pro bono" legal services. You can got some information about them by searching the web or calling the bar association for your city, county, or state.
My best advice for nearly every situation in life is to stay calm, gather as much information as you can in the time you have available, and make the best judgment you can about who has your best interests at heart.
"do parents have the right to decide for you whether or not you receive this vaccine? im 16."
Boy, did that send chills up my spine! Being in disagreement with your parents on an issue that can affect your future poses hard problems.
If you can talk this out directly with your parents, that would probably be best. Or, if you know another adult they might listen to, consider getting that person to help you. If this becomes a legal matter, you could end up in a situation in which you have to decide between the relationship you have with your parents and what you think is best for your health.
As a lawyer, I cannot give you specific legal advice through this blog. But... I can give you information that may help.
1) Wherever you are, there are laws about the age of majority; the line between being a "minor" who usually can't make important decisions about herself and an adult who can. Depending upon where you are, you might already have the legal authority to make this decision.
2) In some places there are different ages of majority. For example, you may be able to get married without parental consent at 16, but not able to vote until 18, and not able to drink until 21.
3) In the US, you'll find lots more law and discussion about a minor's right to consent to medical care than the right to refuse it. Most of the "right to consent" issues have come up in the context of contraceptives and abortions. Try searching on a minor's right to refuse.
4) In many jurisdictions, a minor can go to court to request permission to do something that his or her parents won't allow. This is a very serious step. It could change the nature of your relationship with your parents forever.
You can search the web or ask a local librarian how to find information on these topics. If none of these give you the answer you need or want, in many locations you can get free legal advice and help, sometimes called "pro bono" legal services. You can got some information about them by searching the web or calling the bar association for your city, county, or state.
My best advice for nearly every situation in life is to stay calm, gather as much information as you can in the time you have available, and make the best judgment you can about who has your best interests at heart.
