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LETTER: More on Steffanie

I just saw this article on Steffanie Lawrence and wanted to see if any of my comments could lead to change. Children are considered minors until 18. I think the parent has the right to do whatever is best for their child until they reach majority.

I just saw this article on Steffanie Lawrence and wanted to see if any of my comments could lead to change. 
Children are considered minors until 18. I think the parent has the right to do whatever is best for their child until they reach majority.  Now, I understand in B.C. that things are different
When it comes to life or death situations, the parents of these children should be able to sign them into rehab as no person under the influence of drugs can make decisions properly for themselves — especially ones so young, emotionally. 

Even after these children come off the drug they still consider themselves OK as they are hooked. 
So, a parent, in my opinion, needs to be able to exercise adult judgement in these cases, which should override the child/addict’s decisions, regardless of minority age. 
Surely a loophole should exist for these younger individuals as they have not reached adulthood yet or they are hooked? 
Privacy issues for a minor under 18 comes into question. 

But when it comes to drug addiction, self harm or other problems that could effect the lives of these individuals, another loophole could exist where the doctor could notify the parents and the parents could then sign their child in for rehab as it’s in the best interest of that particular child. 
There are always ways around privacy and age. 

When death could be a result of a person’s habits and this child has not reached the age of majority or can’t make clear decisions for themselves due to their addiction, their parents should have the authority to override what they say and seek proper care for them.
Sylvia Leduc, Squamish

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