Legislative Memo: Authorizing Young People to Consent to Health Care

It is imperative that all young people have access to health care when they need it. Involving parents and guardians in a young person’s health care decisions is ideal. At the same time, not all young people have healthy, safe family relationships. In many cases, and in particular for sensitive care, young people will not seek health care if they are required to involve a parent or their confidentiality is compromised.

A.6761 (Reyes) would fill the gaps in New York law by allowing decisionally-capable young people to consent to their own health care. The NYCLU strongly supports A.6761 and urges its immediate passage.