Which group may legally consent for their healthcare decisions?

Married minors may legally consent for their healthcare decisions due to the legal concept of emancipation that applies to individuals who are married. In many jurisdictions, marriage grants individuals the legal rights to make decisions regarding their healthcare, despite their age, essentially treating them as adults for these purposes. This allows married minors to give consent for their medical treatment without needing to involve their parents or guardians.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the legal capacity for consenting to healthcare decisions. While parents or grandparents certainly have the authority to make healthcare decisions for their minor children, this does not extend to all situations where consent needs to be given. The designation of adults over 21 is also irrelevant as in many jurisdictions, individuals younger than this, especially those who are married, can independently make their own healthcare choices. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, are responsible for providing treatment but do not have the legal authority to consent on behalf of a patient unless they are designated as a legal guardian or have other formal consent drawn up.