Everyone is entitled to privacy, information that one is entitled to keep to themselves. However, it seems like when teenagers have something they want to keep just to themselves, some adults deem it as secrecy. One thing that teenage girls have the right to keep private is their use of contraceptives.

26 states allow all minors to receive contraceptives without parental consent, 20 allow only certain categories of minors to consent to them, such as those who are married, pregnant or already parents, and four states have no relevant policy or law. Whether or not teens should be able to get contraceptives without parental consent can be highly controversial and some federal lawmakers want to take away this right from teens.

Many concerned parents and conservative teens who support the idea that teen girls should not be allowed to obtain birth control without parental consent may not realize the potential harm it could cause. 47 percent of teenage girls said that they would stop accessing all reproductive health care services from a clinic if they couldn’t get contraceptives without first telling their parents. Around 900,000 teenagers get pregnant each year and if teens don’t seek health services due to the lack of confidentiality those numbers are likely to increase.

Reforming the policy is also unconstitutional and violates the rights of minors. In the case of Carey v. Population Services International it was ruled that the “right to privacy in connection with decisions affecting procreation extends to minors as well as adults.”

Not all teens have a strong relationship with their parents. Some girls also live in nontraditional homes such as with stepparents, relatives or even on their own, making it impossible for those few to get parental consent. In addition, 50 percent of all teens feel uncomfortable talking about these subjects with their parents. These factors could make it difficult for teens to obtain the necessary contraception if it was required for parents to be notified.

The other side of the argument states that teens are too impulsive and immature to make decisions like this without the advice of their parents, however this is a period where responsibility should be encouraged among them. Most parents would probably prefer that their teenagers have no need for contraception, but we all know that’s not reality.

All in all, teenage girls should not be required to get consent from their parents before obtaining contraception as the current system is helpful in preventing pregnancy and promoting independence and education regarding their health.

Sincerely,

Sydney