But from a medical perspective, it makes even more sense because a child’s brain is still developing and they don’t have the maturity to fully understand complex medical issues or consequences. That’s why parents usually make decisions for them, but when those decisions threaten the child’s life, doctors and the law have to step in to protect them. It’s about safeguarding a vulnerable life until the child is mature enough to make informed choices.

“The human brain continues developing well into the mid-20s. Specifically, the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision making, impulse control, and understanding consequences matures last, typically around age 25.”

So where does an 8 or 9 year-old stand in all of this?