To ensure the safety and wellbeing of minors, New York law allows them to consent to confidential sexual and reproductive health care without involving parents or guardians in the process. The NYCLU works directly with educators, school administrators and medical providers to ensure that all young people in New York have access to quality health care — including contraception, mental health care, STI testing and treatment, and more — in our state. The NYCLU’s guide, Teenagers, Health Care, and the Law, explains teenagers’ rights to make their own medical decisions under New York State and federal law. It is designed to be an aid to minors and professionals who work with young people, such as social workers, counselors, teachers, and medical providers.

Young people can visit our digital guide, What Teens Need to Know, for more information about their rights to confidential healthcare.