It’s the law. You don’t need permission from anyone 2 get birth control.
Do you want to get a method of birth control to help protect you and your partner from an unplanned pregnancy?
Birth control options: Gynecologists have lots of different birth control methods to offer you. They can give you the information you need to choose which one is best for you. You don’t need anyone’s permission including your parents or guardians to visit a gynecologist and get more info and start a birth control method that seems right for you.
Confidentiality is key: your visit will be confidential which means that the doctor’s staff won’t tell anyone you were there unless you say it’s okay. But if you say that you’re hurting yourself, you’re hurting someone else or someone is hurting you, a doctor may have to talk to someone to make sure you get the help you need.
No pelvic exam: there is very rarely a good reason to do a pelvic exam or pap smear on a young woman under age 21, so the consult for birth control is mostly a conversation and one-on-one health class.
Remember - the only method of birth control that also helps to protect against STDs are condoms. You can get condoms without anyone’s permission from grocery stores, corner stores, and pharmacies. There’s no age limit for buying condoms - anyone can buy them. They are generally found back by the pharmacist, be sure to buy a lubricated version.
Choosing the right physician for you: If your doctor doesn’t talk about sex, find a doctor who will. Some doctors give great information about sex and your health, but unfortunately, not all doctors feel as comfortable talking with teens about sex.
NY Reproductive Health Rights of Minors: in NY, it’s your right as a teen to get all your questions answered and the health services you need without anyone’s permission. We do not need your parent’s input or permission.
This includes:
- Birth control
- Emergency contraception:‘EC’ or the ‘morning-after’ pill
- Testing and/or treatment for STIs/STDs
- Pregnancy testing and prenatal care
- Abortion services
- HIV/AIDS testing and treatment
If your doctor doesn’t feel okay talking about sex, find a doctor who will. You can find a physician near you with special training in working with teens. You don’t need anyone’s permission including your parents or guardians, or your boyfriend or girlfriend.
Some doctors give great information about sex and your health, but unfortunately, not all doctors feel okay talking with teens about sex.
