16 is old enough to make up one's own mind. Earlier rulings have allowed 12 year old Jehovah's Witnesses the right to refuse blood products-I fail to see how a judge can rule a near adult can be forced to accept medical treatment against his will. The courts need to be reminded that citizens are not state property.
Agree.
Not too sure about age laws in Virginia, but in Vermont, at 16, a child can legally decide which parent they wish to live with if their is a separation/divorce.
Most states allow 16 year olds to get drivers licenses.
Busybody Social Services are the bane of our existence.
Too bad they are not as efficient and resourceful when it comes protecting some of the most vulnerable from evil foster parents and natural parents who after children are found to have been abused, it is USUALLY the case that local Social Services had been informed of problem, yet did nothing.
Wish the Appropriated Press writer had taken the trouble to let us know who this dim wit judge was.
Would be willing to wager he/she is yet another do-gooder, lib?
Can this teen apply for Emancipation of some sort?