“This year I realized that I needed to love my body and not look to the outside world for approval. Sexy has more to do with a state of mind than a body type. ”
—Meredith, 16, WA
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Spotlight: New Laws on the Horizon for Teens?
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Right now, most clinics are completely confidential for a teen, which means teens can get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) without getting their parent's permission first. But some lawmakers are trying to change that and create "parental notification laws." These laws would make all teens under a certain age get their parent's permission before going to a clinic for routine care, birth control, STD testing or an HIV test.
Real Life
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As Brad knows, testing is an important part of staying healthy. The question is, would teens get tested if they had to get parental permission first?
The Top 3 Things You Can Do Right Now!
1. Know your legal rights! Inform yourself about your state’s laws regarding confidentiality. Then get the word out to your friends.
2. Find out what laws are being proposed. Since confidentiality laws affect minors, you can influence those who make the laws. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ and type in “parental notification” to see what legislation is being proposed. Then write a letter to your representative or senator letting him or her know what you think. Wow. That’s cool.
3. Join a peer education group. Click here and type in your zip code to find a peer educator group near you. Tell everyone you meet that we need to act now to protect our right to confidential health care!
Didja Know?
When you go to a Title X clinic for health care services or counseling, your visit is totally confidential. You can find Title X clinics near you here, or by calling 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to be connected automatically to the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.
Your Ideas Count
Got ideas about how to protect teens’ right to confidential health care? Share them on with us!
Spotlight Me!
Are you already doing something to fight for teens’ rights to confidential health care? Tell us about it and maybe you’ll be the next teen in our spotlight! Click here to tell us about it.
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