A frequent contributor to my blog, Monte, recently posed an intriguing question in response to my piece titled “Mind Your Own Business!” He asked, “Do Libertarians believe that government should play a role in setting limits on self-ownership?”
I chose not to respond directly in the comments section, as I believe this question warrants a broader discussion, and let’s be honest, only a fraction of readers venture into the comments.
To begin, it’s essential to make two significant distinctions.
First, the term “Libertarian” with a capital “L” typically refers to those affiliated with the Libertarian Party, whether in the U.S., Canada, or elsewhere. I’ve distanced myself from party politics for over thirty years now, so I will interpret Monte’s inquiry through the lens of small “l” libertarianism.
Second, as just one voice among many libertarians, I will share my personal perspective. Other libertarians may hold differing views, but I believe a considerable consensus exists on this matter.
Now, let’s address Monte’s question as if he were asking for my opinion.
In short, my answer is a resounding No, at least for all adults who are of sound mind. Exceptions to this rule would apply to children and those who are not of sound mind.
Should you find my answer unsatisfactory, you’re not alone—there’s more to unpack.
Specifically, what constitutes a child? I would set the age at 18, though I acknowledge that this is somewhat arbitrary. I recall a discussion involving David Friedman, who pointed out that defining maturity based on decision-making ability is problematic. After all, some individuals make poor choices well into their thirties, while others demonstrate remarkable judgment as young as fourteen.
Assuming we agree on 18 as the threshold, consider the case of a 14-year-old wishing to undergo gender transition surgery—a procedure that is largely irreversible. Should this young person be permitted to make such a decision? My stance is no. This may result in some 18-year-olds regretting the missed opportunity for surgery at 14, but it also means that many will be relieved they didn’t proceed with such a significant decision at that age.
If we accept 18 as the cutoff, we still face the question of who makes decisions for those under this age. Chase Oliver, the Libertarian Party’s presidential candidate for 2024, advocates that parents should have this authority. I remain skeptical. I often challenge those who agree with Oliver by asking, “If a 14-year-old wishes to use heroin or meth, and the parents consent, should they be allowed to proceed?” After all, the potential consequences of those drugs are far more damaging than the outcomes of gender transition surgery.
Now, what about individuals deemed not of sound mind? Would someone with an IQ of 40 qualify? I think not. Yet, this definition is inherently arbitrary. Would I be able to counter someone who proposes a cutoff IQ of 30 or 50? Not convincingly.
