Media Center: Press Release

Accessible guide informs healthcare providers of the most recent state laws governing access to abortion for minors

New York, NY—Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health today released a revised edition of its popular guide, Minors' Access to Reproductive Healthcare in Ohio. This laminated card is small enough to fit into a lab coat pocket, and summarizes the complex laws surrounding adolescent reproductive health services in the state. Specifically, the card covers issues of confidentiality when treating patients younger than 18, reproductive healthcare, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, mental health, treatment for substance abuse, and emergency care for adolescents, as well as the most recent regulations on providing abortions to minors.

Dr. Paula Hillard, an adolescent medicine specialist in Cincinnati who worked with PRCH to develop this card, notes: "It is imperative that physicians maintain an accurate working knowledge of their state's regulations in general, and specifically with regard to minors. By presenting doctors with this information in a palatable format we are enabling them to focus on providing the best, medically accurate healthcare possible for their patients. It is so important that we take care of our young patients to the best of our ability, and this card helps us to do just that. As a physician and as a Board Member of PRCH, I am proud of this important initiative and know that it will help promote the health of the youth of Ohio."

Key facts presented in the guide include:

• Fear of disclosure prevents some minors from seeking services. When young people are assured that providers will respect their privacy and provide confidential care, they are more likely to seek care.

• Circumstances exist in which confidentiality may not be possible, including cases of suspected abuse or neglect, a mental health incident in which the minor may be a threat to her/himself, or the billing and health insurance claims process.

• Young patients should be encouraged to consult with a parent, guardian, or responsible adult when making healthcare decisions; however, open communication is not always possible, as physical violence or sexual or emotional abuse may be prevalent in the home.

• Minors have the right by law to receive pregnancy testing without parental consent.

• Minors have the right by law to confidential evaluation and treatment of any sexually transmitted disease. Ohio requires patients to notify their sexual partners of their disease.

• HIV testing and counseling—including anonymous HIV testing—is available to minors in Ohio. The results of a patient's HIV test may be revealed to the patient's parent or legal guardian, the patient's spouse or sexual partner, or the patient's physician.

A minor in Ohio may obtain an abortion if the physician performing the abortion obtains the consent of the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian, or if the physician performing the abortion is informed by the juvenile court that the abortion can proceed without the consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

• In cases of emergency, consent to medical care is implied.

• Minors aged 12 and older may consent to confidential diagnosis or treatment of any condition caused by the abuse of drugs or alcohol.

• Minors aged 14 and older may consent to confidential mental health services on an outpatient basis.

• If a minor is legally married and has established her or his own residence, she/he can consent to all healthcare evaluation and treatment, without the consent of a parent or guardian.

Minors' Access Cards are available from PRCH for nine states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The full series of Minor's Access Cards can be viewed here.

PHYSICIANS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT