North Carolina
North Carolina lawmakers focus on guns, immigration and parental rights ahead of a key deadline
Emphasis on parents’ rights and protections
Minors would be limited in their ability to consent to most medical treatments on their own, except for pregnancy, according to a bill passed Tuesday in the House. A handful of House Democrats joined Republicans in approving it.
Under current law, minors can provide sole consent for treating sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, substance abuse and mental health conditions. Minors could still consult with doctors about those issues, but the bill maintains parents’ ”essential role” in determining the best medical course of action for their children, Republican Rep. Jennifer Balkcom said.
Some Democrats spoke against the bill, saying it would endanger teenagers who feel less inclined to seek treatment for sensitive issues.
The Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would prevent parents from being cited for neglect because they raised their child consistent with the child’s sex assigned at birth.
What didn’t meet crossover?