Can a pregnant minor consent to their own medical care?

Full question:

I am 17 years old. I had sex with my boyfriend and got pregnant. Later, due to some differences, my boyfriend and I broke up. As I am a minor, do I have the right to consent for all the medical care that I would need during this period?

  • Category: Minors
  • Date:
  • State: Florida

Answer:

Yes, as a pregnant minor, you can consent to the medical care you need during your pregnancy. In Florida, an unmarried pregnant minor has the legal right to make decisions about their medical care. According to Fla. Stat. § 743.065, an unwed pregnant minor may consent to medical or surgical care related to their pregnancy, and this consent is valid as if they were an adult.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If you find yourself pregnant at 17, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible. You have the legal right to consent to your own medical treatment in Florida. Consider talking to a trusted adult or healthcare provider about your options, including prenatal care, counseling, and support services. They can help guide you through the next steps, whether you choose to continue the pregnancy, consider adoption, or explore other options.