Booklet: Teenagers, Health Care and the Law (English and Spanish) (2002)

Download Teenagers, Health Care and the Law (PDF): English / Spanish

Adolescents, more than members of any other age group, often do not get the health care they need. According to the American Medical Association, a major reason for this is that adolescents fear that health care providers will disclose confidential information about sensitive issues to their parents or guardians. In fact, the law allows teenagers to obtain medical treatment—including “sensitive” health care, such as reproductive health care—without their parents’ involvement or even knowledge in a variety of situations.

This booklet seeks to clarify teenagers’ rights under New York and federal law to make their own medical decisions. It is designed as an aid to teenagers and the professionals—social workers, counselors, teachers and medical providers—who work with young people.

The booklet is available both in English, as "Teenagers, Health Care and the Law," and in Spanish, as "Los Cuidados de Salud de los Adolescentes y la Ley."