oral contraceptive laws

Factual Questions
1

In New York, how old does a minor have to be in order to obtain oral contraceptive confidentially (meaning without parental knowledge, let alone consent)? Do they need insurance to do so?

I’ve been trying to research the damn topic for quite a while, and information is nigh impossible to come by. Every time I think I hit something, it’s completely inaccurate.

2

Planned Parenthood will definitely know. However an oral contraceptive might not be a good choice for a minor, because it requires to be taken every day and even at a particular time to be effective, which is very difficult to do in privacy. Also, it will take several weeks for the oral contraceptive to “take effect”. PP should cover all this with you.

3

http://www.ppnyc.org/facts/faq/birthcontrol.html

Currently, there are no laws in any state, including New York State, that require parental consent or notification if someone under the age of 18 wants to get birth control. In fact, New York State has confidentiality laws that prohibit providers from telling parents if a minor has received any family planning services, including birth control and abortion.

4

http://www.ppnyc.org/services/insurancefaq.html

PP takes many forms of insurance. However if you have no insurance Planned Parenthood has sliding prices, depending on your ability to pay; no insurance is required. You also may qualify for a health program (called the Family Planning Benefit Program) that allows minors to apply on their own, without a parent, and without taking parents income into consideration, even if you live at home. Call them to find out more about your payment options.

5

HIPAA prevents caregivers from sharing with third parties the details of care given to anyone 14 or older, unless the patient consents.

6

dre2xl- I agree that OCP would not be a first choice contraceptive for young teens because they’ll forget to take it.

However, if the first pill of the first packet is taken on Day 1 of the cycle (first day of the period) the contraceptive effects are immediate, it doesn’t take “several weeks” if started on the right day.