If you choose to be sexually active, it′s important to know your rights regarding birth control. Strictly speaking, yes, you can get birth control. Regardless of your age, the law allows you to obtain birth control, whether prescription or nonprescription.

 Condoms, foam, and spermicidal gels are available from a drugstore, pharmacy, or grocery store without a prescription.With a doctor′s prescription, you can get birth control pills, an IUD (interuterine device), a diaphragm or other contraceptives.

The law doesn′t require your parents′ consent for birth control. Public health agencies (many are based in county or city hospitals) or family planning clinics may be able to assist you. Costs vary from no fee to sliding scale fees, depending on your income, and you may be charged higher amounts based on the services you use.

If you′re sexually active, be aware of the consequences of unsafe sex and pregnancy. Unless you′re married and want a child, contact a local clinic or agency for information and counseling. If the agency receives federal money for family planning services, it′s required by law to maintain your confidentiality. Planned Parenthood is one such agency. When first contacting the agency, feel free to ask about their policies regarding your privacy rights.

Your school may offer sex education classes. Although you can′t be forced or required to take such a class, learning the facts about sex from a well-balanced presentation can help you to make intelligent decisions about sex. Discuss the sex education class option with your parents. Perhaps you can review an outline of the course before deciding whether to take it.

A 2009 report titled “America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being” states that teen pregnancy rates for 15 to 17-year-olds were up over the past two years to 22.2 per 1,000 girls.

In October, 2007 a Portland, Maine middle school voted to provide birth control to students who have parental permission. The full range of contraceptives are available through the school’s health center for sixth-to-eighth graders. Condoms have been available since 2000. The school district reported 17 pregnancies in their three middle schools over the past four years, not counting unreported miscarriages or terminated pregnancies.

FYI

Coping with Birth Control by Michael D. Benson, M.D. (Rosen Publishing
Group, 1998). Precise birth control information so teens can make intelligent
decisions.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America Teenwire
www.teenwire.com
Extensive information resources on sexuality, pregnancy, STDs, HIV, etc., with many links to other sites.

Sex, Etc.
www.sxetc.org
Find all of the facts you need to make responsible sexual decisions at this site created especially for teens.

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