Oregon currently allows individuals as young as 14 to make medical decisions without parental consent. While fostering independence in teenagers is essential, it is crucial to recognize that children under 18 are still developing cognitively and emotionally. In contrast, many states set the legal age for independent medical decision-making at 18, aligning it with other significant legal responsibilities and rights, such as voting and contractual agreements. At 14, teenagers are not allowed to drive, drink adult beverages, or vote. 

Research shows that the human brain continues to mature well into the early twenties. This developmental trajectory suggests that teenagers may not yet have the full capacity to make informed and mature medical decisions independently. Errors in judgement or lack of comprehensive understanding of medical situations could lead to choices that have long-term negative consequences on a young person’s health and future.

Moreover, involving parents or guardians in medical decisions fosters better communication, understanding, and support, essential elements during the challenging teenage years. Parents aren’t just financial guarantors but typically have their children’s best interests in mind and can provide valuable guidance based on experience and emotional support during medical treatments or interventions.

Our goal is to align Oregon’s medical decision-making laws with those of the majority of other states and ensure that young individuals benefit from the wisdom and involvement of their parents or guardians until they reach a more mature age. By raising the legal age to 18, we can enhance the safety and well-being of teenagers by ensuring that significant medical decisions are made collaboratively with the guidance of adults who care deeply for them.

Please sign this petition to urge Oregon lawmakers to change the legal age for independent medical decision-making to 18, providing our youth with the developmental time they need before shouldering such significant responsibilities independently.