Why is there no option to turn off auto renewal?

All responses here are correct but one really addresses the basic premise of your question: why can't we turn off auto-renewal?

I can cancel any subscription linked to my Apple ID on my iPhone at any time, months in advance. I guess Adobe enforces auto-renewal with the onus on users to cancel within a specific timeframe, specified by Adobe, because they can.

>>>My suspicion, though, is that they made it autorenewal without the option to opt-out because customers who didn't remember to renew were complaining about their programs suddenly not working.

There's some merit to this but the option to cancel at any time should be available too. I don't believe the onus should be on users to remember to cancel in the 12th month, particularly since Adobe does not send out reminders.

#1 To avoid penalty fees, wait until your 12th month of service to cancel.

#2 Your plan details are available 24/7 from you account portal.

https://account.adobe.com/plans

#3 Set a reminder on your cell phone to cancel Photography Plan in the 12th month of service.

Problem solved.

Photoshop Elements is available for a one-time fee. If you use it so rarely, that might be a better choice for you.

Yes, it is very annoying that Adobe is not opt-out on the autorenewal. If enough people complain they may change that, as they finally updated the sign-up page to tell people about the autorenewal and cancellation fees. My suspicion, though, is that they made it autorenewal without the option to opt-out because customers who didn't remember to renew were complaining about their programs suddenly not working. They can't satisfy everyone.

A subscription auto renews until you cancel https://www.adobe.com/legal/subscription-terms.html

So it is up to YOU to keep track and cancel before your auto renewal date

I use a paper calendar, but there are programs (I think some are free) you can use to have a message pop up at a time of your choosing... which I would advise to be 2 weeks and again 1 week before your renewal

To Cancel https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/cancel-creative-cloud-subscription.html
-or Chat link https://helpx.adobe.com/contact/support.html

-click the chat icon at the bottom right of the page to open a chat session
-the chat icon looks like '3 dots inside a circle' at the lower right
-type AGENT into the chat window to connect directly to a person rather than the AI
Do be aware that Adobe's staffing is impacted by the virus, so wait times are long
.
Also: beware of answering anyone who sends you a private message
-click for more information about scammers https://tinyurl.com/10791730

how to cancel: https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/cancel-subscription.html

p.s. if canceling early there's an early cancellation fee = 1/2 the cost of the remaining subscription