The Truth about Your Privacy
Your Rights
“Privacy” means that if you are a young person between the ages of 12-17 in California or 12-16 in Nevada, you may have tests, receive treatment or talk with us about certain issues, and we cannot tell your parents, guardians or others unless you give us permission. We also cannot tell anyone that you are our patient without your permission.
We encourage teens to discuss their healthcare concerns with their parents or other trusted adults. But teens can give us their own permission for these medical services:
- Pregnancy test
- Birth control
- Sexually-transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment
- Pre-natal care
- Abortion services
You are guaranteed that the conversation will remain private if you talk to us about personal issues, such as:
- Use of alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco or drugs
- School or family issues
- Sex and sexuality issues
For your safety, some things cannot stay confidential. By law, we have to contact someone for help if you say you are:
- Being sexually and/or physically abused-Going to hurt yourself or someone else
- Are under 14 years and having sex with someone 14 or older
- Are under 16 years and having sex with someone who is 21 or older
If you have any questions about your privacy rights, you can ask any Planned Parenthood staff member. We're here to help.
