Who qualifies as a minor legally authorized to consent to medical treatment?

An individual under 18 who is pregnant and seeking medical care qualifies as a minor legally authorized to consent to their own medical treatment. This is based on laws that recognize the unique circumstances of pregnant minors, who are granted the right to make their own healthcare decisions to ensure that they can receive necessary medical treatment without delay. This legal provision acknowledges the importance of allowing pregnant minors to access care, such as prenatal checkups or any other related medical services, to ensure both their health and that of the unborn child.

In contrast, other options do not meet the criteria for legal consent. The age of 21 does not have specific relevance in this context, as the legal age for medical consent is generally recognized as 18, except for specific circumstances. Individuals who have not completed high school or those who require parental permission lack the autonomy to make independent medical decisions, as the law typically requires these individuals to have parental consent for treatment until they reach the age of majority or meet other specific legal conditions.