title: The evolving law of adolescent health care.
abstract: This article provides an outline of the legal principles applicable to the health care of adolescents. Over the past 20 years, states have expanded the ability of minors to seek medical treatment without parental consent. Minor treatment statutes, the mature minor rule, and specific types of health care (including contraception and abortion) are discussed. Recent trends permitting some older adolescents to refuse serious treatment are analyzed.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Cohn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000295:Adolescent Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014481:United States