Article Media
Finding time in your hectic schedule to get to a clinic for services isn't as hard as you might think. California teens may be excused from school to access sexual and reproductive health services WITHOUT needing their parents' or guardians' permission and without them being notified.
California law allows:
- Schools to excuse you during the school day for confidential "minor consent" health services.
California law does not allow:
- Schools to adopt a policy that requires parent or guardian consent when you are excused from school for confidential medical care; OR
- Schools to adopt a policy that requires parent or guardian notification when you are excused from school for confidential medical care.
If you need to go to an appointment during the school day to access minor consent services, your school is required to excuse your absence and they CANNOT make you request permission from your parents or notify them of your absence.
These are the services you can access as a minor:
- Birth Control (Including Emergency Contraception)
- Testing and Treatment for STIs
- Pregnancy Testing and Prenatal Care
- Abortion Services
- Mental Health Services
While you can access sexual and reproductive health services without getting your parents involved, getting support from your parents or another trusted adult can make that trip to the clinic a lot less intimidating. Learn more about talking with your family about sex and share this great resource with your parents.