Yes. Most clinics, like Planned Parenthood, are completely confidential, meaning your parents won't know. But to be sure, when you call to make an appointment, ask them about their policy. (Questions to ask: Will they call you at home? Will they send a bill to you? Will they send other mail?) Since each clinic works a little differently, this is the best way to know for sure.

If you choose to use your parent's insurance, then your parents will see the bill. But Planned Parenthood and other clinics use a "sliding scale" payment system that makes their services less expensive than at a private doctor's office, so you can pay with cash.

Usually, family planning clinics ask your permission to send things home and they use plain, unmarked envelopes. If you do not want to give your home address, you could give a friend's address, as long as you have your friend's permission.

If clinic staff need to get in touch with you over the phone, they'll usually tell you a code name they use, instead of identifying themselves as a clinic. So, you might get a message that "Wanda" called and you'll know you need to call the clinic. And, of course, you can always use your cell phone.

If you want to make an appointment, you can find one in your area by looking in your local yellow pages under "family planning" or "clinics." You can click here to find a clinic near you, or call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected automatically to the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.