In the U.S., only 20 states require information about condoms or contraception be included when HIV education is taught, and 30 states do not require sex education be taught at all. Even crazier, only 13 states require sex education to be medically accurate.
So you may be in the dark about your rights, your reproductive health, and access to care. Here are a few (of many) things you should know.
1. Condoms and dental dams may be available to you- for free!
Planned Parenthood, health care centers, and doctor’s offices often have free condoms available to you. While dental dams may be rarer to come by, many Planned Parenthood and health care centers provide these for free as well. There are no minimum age requirements for accessing and buying condoms, so you will not be asked to show an ID or for parental permission. Condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and 80-94% effective in protecting against HIV transmission. Additionally, condoms are the only form of protection against sexually transmitted disease, besides abstinence, so it is incredibly important to use condoms if you are sexually active. This is regardless of who you are with or how long you are sexually active with an individual. If you and your partner both have vaginas or are practicing oral sex, you are still at risk of transmitting or receiving STDs, so using dental dams are an essential part of safe sex
2. You do not need parental consent for STI testing in any state.
All states al
low minors to consent to STI testing, so if you are worried about parental disapproval, you still can and should get regular testing for STIs. However, 18 states allow your physician to notify your parent of STI testing, so refer to the chart within the link to see the rules in your state. Your local Planned Parenthood provider, various health centers, and your private health care provider are likely to provide services for STI testing and are obligated to abide by state laws. STI testing is incredibly important if you are or have been sexually active, so visit a health care facility or talk to your regular doctor about testing available to you.
3. You may not need parental consent for birth control services- depending on where you live.
Birth control services are offered to teens in nearly every state, but refer to this list to see what rules are in your specific area. You also may be eligible for free insurance for birth control information and supplies, STI screenings, and Pap smear screenings. Look into the laws and programs within your state. For example, in New York, you can apply for the Family Planning Benefit Program for free services, and in California, you may simply ask your health care provider for a Family Pact card.
4. You do not need to be of a certain age to buy a Plan B pill.
Plan B One-Step pills in their generic forms (like Take Action or Next Choice One Dose) are available online and on store shelves or behind pharmacy counters, and you do not need to show an ID or parental permission to access either. Other brands of emergency contraception may have different age requirements, so research the rules behind different brands. Remember to look for generic Plan B pill brands; they will be available to you. Plan B pills are also available in many Planned Parenthoods, which may offer a reduced fee.
5. You may not need parental consent to get an abortion.
If you are seeking abortion services, look through this list to see what your state’s specific rules are. Some states require no parental consent, and some others require parent consent that can be bypassed by talking to a judge.
If you are seeking more information about your specific state laws, you should look into Sex, Etc’s page for state by state info. While law and information can be incredibly confusing at times to sort through, know your rights and make sure you educate yourself on all of your options. You can never go wrong with doing research to learn more about your body, your sexual health, and your reproductive rights. Most importantly, take care of your body and treat your sexual partner with love, respect, and understanding.
