The Utah age of consent has recently been a hot topic of debate for Senate President J. Stuart Adams, but the sexual protections of teens aren’t what I’m talking about. Utah’s teen suicide rate is one of the highest in the nation, yet most cannot legally consent to mental health care without parental permission, even if they are actively in crisis.
There are few exceptions to this rule, such as youth who are married, in military service, or emancipated, but this largely does not cover the entire population at risk. This law creates barriers for teens seeking help for mental health issues, and barriers for mental health providers giving care.
In cases of family isolation or rejection, it may be impossible for youth to approach their family for permission to receive mental health care, and not every parent in the state is of the same opinion on receiving this care. What some parents think is best for their child may not actually be what is best. Religious conflicts for teens identifying with LGBTQ+ may be another reason for youth to avoid seeking help from their guardians, preventing one of the most vulnerable populations from receiving proper care.
Early intervention can prevent suicide, aid in academic success, and create resilience against future mental health episodes. With a suicide rate that regularly makes national news, why has Utah not done a better job of protecting our youth? They should not be underequipped to battle the struggles of everyday life and denied lifesaving care because of legal red tape. The age of mental health treatment consent needs to be lowered to 14-16 to ensure that our future generations are protected and adequately prepared to face and solve the problems that our society poses.
Dallin Renouard, Midvale
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