Under what circumstance can a minor legally make medical decisions according to Policy 502?

According to Policy 502, a minor can legally make medical decisions under the circumstance of having been or currently being married. This provision acknowledges that marriage often grants minors a certain level of autonomy and responsibility that includes making decisions about their own medical care. The rationale is that, similar to adults, married individuals are considered capable of understanding and managing their health needs and can provide informed consent for medical treatments.

The other choices, such as being a high school graduate, having a steady job, or simply turning 18 years old, do not necessarily grant minors the legal capacity to make medical decisions. While being 18 years or older does grant full legal adult status, it does not pertain specifically to the context of minors making decisions based on the terms of Policy 502.