POPLINE Document Number: 276998
Author(s):
Jones RK
Purcell A
Singh S
Finer LB
Source citation:
JAMA. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2005 Jan 19;293(3):340-348.
Abstract:
Context Legislation has been proposed that would mandate parental notification for adolescents younger than 18 years (minors) obtaining prescription contraception from federally funded family planning clinics. Objective To determine the extent to which parents are currently aware that their teenage daughters are accessing reproductive health services and how minors would react in the face of mandated parental involvement laws for prescription birth control. Design, Setting, and Participants A total of 1526 female adolescents younger than 18 years seeking reproductive health services at a national sample of 79 family planning clinics were surveyed between May 2003 and February 2004. Main Outcome Measures Proportions of minor females who reported that a parent or guardian was aware that they were at the family planning clinic and, under conditions of mandated parental involvement, proportions of minors who would access prescription contraceptives at family planning clinics or engage in unsafe sex. Results Sixty percent of minors reported that a parent or guardian knew they were accessing sexual health services at the clinic. Fifty-nine percent of all adolescents would use the clinic for prescription contraception even if parental notification were mandated. This response was less common (29.5%) among adolescents whose parents were unaware of their clinic visits and more common (79%) among those whose parents were aware. Many adolescents gave more than 1 response to mandated parental involvement. Forty-six percent would use an over-the-counter method, and 18% would go to a private physician. Seven percent said that they would stop having sex as one response, but only 1% indicated this would be their only reaction. One in 5 adolescents would use no contraception or rely on withdrawal as one response to mandated notification. Conclusions Most minor adolescent females seeking family planning services report that their parents are aware of their use of services. Most would continue to use clinic services if parental notification were mandated. However, mandated parental notification laws would likely increase risky or unsafe sexual behavior and, in turn, the incidence of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. (author's)
Keywords:
United StatesIndex page
Research Report
Clinical Research
KAP Surveys
Adolescents, Female
Parents
Notification
Confidential Information
Contraceptive Distribution
Parental Consent
Family Planning Clinic Attendance
Legislation
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Research Methodology
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Adolescents
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Family Relationships
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Ethics
Distributional Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Family Planning Program Evaluation
Family Planning Programs
Family Planning