Minor patients, or patients who are younger than 18 years old, are not allowed to make medical decisions on their own. However, emancipated minors or mature minors can be regarded as adults in reference to medical care by being married, having a child or children, living independently from parents for a long period of time (not just 2 weeks), or being in an active military service (not planning to enroll in military academy). Graduating high school does not make an individual an emancipated minor.