Adolescent Healthcare Autonomy: Mature Minors in the Islamic Context

Contemporary statutes typically define adulthood at 18, yet Islamic tradition considers puberty and intellectual discernment as markers of maturity. This discrepancy creates significant ethical and legal dilemmas for adolescent healthcare autonomy, particularly in Muslim contexts. Classical Islamic jurisprudence emphasizes cognitive maturity alongside physical development, aligning with modern secular concepts like the mature minor doctrine. Nevertheless, tensions arise when adolescents deemed religiously mature must navigate healthcare decisions restricted by civil statutes. This editorial advocates for integrating Islamic ethical frameworks with contemporary capacity-oriented policies, suggesting joint jurist-physician assessments as a practical reconciliation. There are proposals sketched for clear, capacity-oriented guidelines that respect both civil mandates and religious values. Interdisciplinary guidelines can harmonize religious recognition of adolescent autonomy with protective civil mandates, ultimately respecting adolescents' evolving capacities and healthcare rights.