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  • Youth Awareness of a Minor’s Right to Access Reproductive Health Services Independently
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Youth Awareness of a Minor’s Right to Access Reproductive Health Services Independently

Recent data from the Section of Family Planning & Contraceptive Research suggests that youth need more information about their ability to access reproductive health care services on their own. This brief highlights findings from a recent study conducted in spring of 2011 in Illinois. The study revealed that a number of teens were not aware that Illinois minors could legally access the following services without parental permission: medical care when pregnant, contraception, abortion, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Special laws grant minors access to these services; this brief explores the reasons for such laws and the importance of teen awareness in serving the purpose of the laws. The study findings suggest that more should be done to educate teens so they will be encouraged to seek care.

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This article was taken from University of Chicago Medical Center

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