State Policies in Brief: Minors' Access to STI Services, the Guttmacher Institute, 2013

This reference sheet provides a basic review of relevant laws granting minors authority to consent to STI services and HIV testing and treatment in all 50 states. It also designates the states in which confidentiality protections are afforded to minors seeking these services. According to the report, all 50 states and the District of Columbia allow, with some minimum age exceptions, minors to consent to testing and treatment for STIs. Thirty-one states explicitly include testing and treatment for HIV, and 18 states allow, but do not require, physicians to inform parents that their minor child is seeking or receiving STI and HIV services. One state requires parental notification in the case of a positive HIV test. 

 

While this reference sheet is useful, it does not necessarily contain the nuances of these legal issues. As with all reference sheets, advocates should verify all information provided by researching the specific laws and regulations.

 

The Guttmacher Institute updates this reference on a regular basis. To access to the most recent version available, please follow the link posted below.