Minor's-right-to-privacy --- by Pam Haws

In the state of Alabama, the age of consent for medical treatment is 14. A 14 year old has nearly the same rights to treatment and privacy as does an adult, when it comes to health matters.

I recently brought our 15 year-old son to the large children's hospital in Huntsville, AL for an outpatient test called a barium swallow. When we checked in, the registrar totally ignored me and turned all her direction and attention to our son. She also gave him a piece of paper and said, "If you want your mother to know the results of your tests sign this paper." My son's eyes lit up with a smile when he realized that it was up to him if I could know the results of his test or not. I interjected that I was the one paying for the test and that if I don't get to know the results, then the test wouldn't be done and we'd leave right now. He signed the paper without problem.

If a parent brings their 14 year old into the office or hospital for a pregancy test or screen, it is up to the child if the parents can know the results or not. I find this very wrong. A 14 year old can also go to the the health department and get a "brown bag" full of condoms--no questions asked, get BCP, or even an abortion without her parents knowing about it legally. Yet this same child cannot vote, drive themself to the doctor, support themself financially, and barely knows enough to function in society. How can teenagers be legally allowed to make such vital decisions without parental involvement? How can they be allowed legally to hide vital information from their parents?

As concerned parents of 5 children, we care about our kids and want to be involved in our children's lives. Sometimes the restrictions we place on them seems unfair to them and they may rebel. But it is done for their "own good." Most people don't have children to just let them run wild and do eveything they want to. Everybody knows how difficult it can be to raise teenageers and giving them this control over their health could be very detrimental for rebellious or "scared" teens. I feel it is better to have laws that support a parent's role and authority until they are adults, not take away from it. (I also feel at the same time that there should be assistance for teenagers that are in an unsafe home environment where devastating disclosures might cause physical harm.)

I think most parents are concerned about their children and want to be a part of any hard decisions they may be going through. But if the parent doesn't know that they are addicted to drugs, then how can they help their child? If a 14 or 15 year old is pregnant, how can parents help their child cope or make difficult decisions when they don't even know she is pregnant? Where is the child turning to for help if not the parents--some strangers at planned parenthood or their peers? I think it is a parental right to be able to know any health issues or test results when they are living under your roof, you are providing for their sustenance, and you are responsible for their welfare.

A parent is responsible for their children, but the law allows the child to hide vital information from the parent. This does not seem logical or proper or in the best interests of a minor child. I think this law in Alabama should be changed from age 14 to at least 17, preferably to age 18 where one is normally considered "adult." How do you feel?