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Speak Up! - View Question #136 |
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Question: My parents are forcing me to take medicine to control my moods and I feel I do not need to take it. Do I have the right to refuse it or can I find a way I don't have to take it?
Answer: Your parents can try to force you to take the medication, because they are responsible for your care until you are 18 years of age. According to Arizona Law (ARS §8-234(A)): A parent or legal guardian of a person who is under eighteen years of age shall exercise reasonable care, supervision, protection and control over the parent's or leagl guardian's minor child.
Other Arizona Laws such as (ARS §36-2271) make it almost impossible for a minor to have surgery with out a parent's permission, except in some very narrow exceptions. In the mental health arena, there is the presumption that parents act in the best interests of their children.
If the medication is being given to you, and it is not in your best interests or reasonable, you may have an argument against taking it. The bottom line will be, who decides this? If you and your parents and your prescribing doctor continue to disagree, you would probably have to go to court to resolve the matter. But, remember, the choice of whether to give you the medication will be up to your parents.
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