Published June, 2016
Guttmacher Institute, Minors’ Access to Contraceptive Services, State Policies in Brief (2016)
This report summarizes minors’ authority to consent to contraceptive services in the United States without their parent(s)’ consent. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia allow minors to consent to contraceptive services without restrictions. Twenty-five states allow minors to consent if one or more conditions are met, such as urgent medical need documented by a physician, if the minor is married or a parent, or if the minor is or has ever been pregnant. Four states have no explicit policy on allowing minors access to contraceptives.
While this reference sheet is useful, it does not necessarily contain the full nuance of these legal issues. As with all reference sheets, advocates should verify all information provided by researching the specific laws and regulations.
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