In WA, Voters Want Parental Approval on Medical Decisions for Minors

Publication Date: 01/15/2026 5:00 AM CST

In WA, Voters Want Parental Approval on Medical Decisions for Minors

Publication: 01/15/2026 5:00 AM CST

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An overwhelming 80% of voters in Washington state say that parental approval should be required for children under 18 on things like vaccines, prescription medications, and surgery.
- This number includes 92% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats.
- It also includes 72% of those who say they have school-aged children at home.
A majority (55%) also think children should be free to make their own decisions on these topics when they are 18.
- One quarter (26%) say that 16 or younger should be the cutoff, and 15% say the age should be 21.
In a similar vein, two thirds (66%) of voters say that if a child expresses a wish to change gender to a teacher, the teacher should be required to inform the parents.
- About 1 in 5 voters (21%) disagree.
- Republicans agree by an overwhelming 94% to 3% margin.
- Democrats agree by a much narrower 45% to 37% margin, while 18% say they are undecided.

This data is from a Napolitan News Service survey of 800 Registered Voters in Washington state conducted online by Scott Rasmussen, January 2-7, 2026. RMG Research, Inc., conducted the field work for the survey. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.5.