Birth Control for Minors

Can minors (under 18) receive birth control in the U.S.?

In the United States, 23 states (plus D.C.) allow minors to obtain birth control on their own, without consent from a guardian or parent. States have the ability to decide their own rules about a minor’s access to birth control. Here is a chart that breaks down each state’s decision regarding access to birth control for minors.

Unintended pregnancy rates in the United States are higher than in most developed nations, especially for underserved communities. Providing minors with education and affordable access to contraception is one way to avoid unintended pregnancies. Research shows that 59 percent of sexually active teenagers would stop or delay receiving reprodutive healthcare services if they had to notify their parents. As a result, there are organizations, like the ACLU and Advocates for Youth, working on providing better access and doctor/patient confidentiality for minors in the U.S. who are unable to get consent.

Is parental consent the only way for minors to receive access to birth control?

Many states that require consent from a parent or guardian also have exceptions that allow a minor to receive birth control on their own. For example, if the individual is married, has been pregnant, is legally emancipated (someone under the age of 18 is their own legal guardian), or has specific health reasons, they may be able to get birth control without consent.

Which states does Twentyeight Health offer birth control for minors?

We currently serve anyone (without parental consent) starting at the age of 13 years old & above in CA, CO, DC, DE, GA, IL, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA & WA,

14 years old & above in AL,

15 years old & above in OH,

16 years old & above in KS & SC,

18 years old & above in AZ, FL, IA, MO, MT, NV, SD, TX, UT & WY

What if I’m under 18 in FL?

If you're under 18, the age of minority in the state of Florida by law, you can access birth control if you can verify that you fall into one of the following categories:

1. Have parental consent: please have your parent or legal guardian (include relationship) send us an email to contact@twentyeighthealth.com providing consent along with their ID and your ID.

2. Are married: please email your marriage license to contact@twentyeighthealth.com.

3. Are a parent: please email the birth certificate of your child to contact@twentyeighthealth.com.

4. Require birth control for health reasons: please let us know by email at contact@twentyeighthealth.com (no need to provide specifics) and the doctor will review your medical questionnaire to gauge eligibility.

5. Have been pregnant: please email documentation from a doctor to contact@twentyeighthealth.com.

What if I’m under 18 in AZ, IA, MO, MT, NV, SD, TX, UT & WY?

If you're under 18, the age of minority in those states, by law, you can access birth control if you can verify that you fall into one of the following categories:

1. Have parental consent: please have your parent or legal guardian (include relationship) send us an email to contact@twentyeighthealth.com providing consent along with their ID and your ID.

2. Are married: please email your marriage license to contact@twentyeighthealth.com.

3. Are legally emancipated: please email documentation to contact@twentyeighthealth.com.

How can my parents/guardian give their consent to Twentyeight Health?

It’s easy! Your parent or legal guardian should send us an email to contact@twentyeighthealth.com providing:

• Your relationship
• Their consent
• Their ID
• Your ID (optional)

Will my parents see that I’m on birth control if I use their insurance?

How health plans show medications that are reimbursed by insurance vary, so if you're worried about your parents seeing your birth control on a statement, it's best to call your insurance first to ask. Click here for a great article to help you navigate talking to your insurance company.

If you would like to be absolutely sure that they won't see the charges through your insurance, you do have the option to pay out of pocket for your birth control. At Twentyeight Health, outer packaging is discrete and doesn't mention your medication or Twentyeight by name.

If I can’t access birth control yet, are there any other options?

You can always buy condoms at a local convenience or grocery store without a prescription. Both internal and external condoms are a great option because they protect against STIs. Some local clinics or school campuses may even offer them for free!