The dangers of parental notification- teens would stop using
sexual health services if their parents
According to survey conducted at Planned Parenthood clinics
throughout Wisconsin in 1999, more than 50% of teenagers under
18 of age would stop using at least some of the agency's
services if their parents knew they were trying to obtain
prescription contraceptives. 47% of the 950 participants would
stop using any of the agency's services, and another 12% would
no longer use particular services (testing or treatment for
sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy testing, health
examinations or contraceptive care).
However, black teenagers were less probable than whites to admit
that, black 17-year-olds were less likely than younger women to
give such response. An additional survey of young women
attending three Milwaukee clinics in 2001 revealed that 57% of
those who said that they would stop using Planned Parenthood
services would use condoms instead, 29% would rely on
withdrawal, another 29% would have unprotected intercourse and
1% would engage in oral sex. The scientists conclusion is that
requiring parental approval of seeking prescription
contraceptives could increase unintended pregnancies,
abortions, nonmarital births and sexually transmitted diseases
among teenagers.