Senators move bill that would allow homeless youths 14+ to consent to healthcare services

Senators reported a bill Tuesday along party lines that would allow homeless or runaway youths who are at least age 14 to receive medical care without parental consent authorizing the care.

The move, Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, told fellow members of the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee, would enable youths who cannot obtain even basic services under current law without parental consent to obtain such services.

Cherry said 2024-25 data from the Michigan Center for Education Performance and Information showed that about 36,000 Michigan youths are homeless. Their homeless status makes them vulnerable to lack of necessities including healthcare, he said.

Under current law, homeless or runaway youth cannot consent to care without the permission of a parent or legal guardian. The bill would enable homeless or runaway youths to consent if they are at least age 14 for healthcare.

“I believe this is common sense legislation, and Michigan would make a significant step, joining 35 other states across the nation that allow this at-risk population to care,” Cherry said.

Ben Moe, board president of the Michigan Network for Youth and Families, was supportive of the bill, saying the proposed changes are not intended to limit parental involvement.

There are many instances, he said, where it is not possible to locate and obtain consent from a parent. In other instances, the child may be staying with a caregiver, but one who is not a parent and does not have the legal ability to provide consent.

“I urge your support in passing this critical piece of legislation and provide our youth with the best option possible,” Moe said.

Genevieve Marnon with Right to Life of Michigan said the group was opposed because the bill “could effectively circumvent the form of consent for abortion law without actually repealing the law.”

“Senate Bill 1124 doesn’t just contemplate children come from unfit parents, it allows parental rights to be trampled on,” Marnon said.

Members voted 8-2 along party lines to report SB 1124.

Also reported, by a vote of 10-0, was HB 5514, which would prohibit the use of certain restraints when transporting juveniles to residential treatment programs.

Under HB 5514, the use of restraints including handcuffs, chains, straitjackets and blindfolds would be banned for transporting juveniles. Transportation of individuals to a facility would also be banned between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.