Dear Nicolerene,

In general, minors do not need parental consent for prescription contraception. However, there may be certain locations where, for one reason or another, the provider will require parental permission.

Whenever possible, it can be helpful to involve parents in important decisions like getting advice about birth control. And often teens want to include their parents in discussions about their sex lives and the steps they have taken to avoid an unplanned pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted infections.

However, many teens are not sure how to approach their parents or how to begin the conversation.

One thing that is helpful for many people is to consider and be aware of what they want from the conversation. Do they want their parent's approval? Will they change their behavior if their parents don't approve? Do they think their parents are available for the conversation?

They may also want to ask themselves what they hope the outcome of the conversation will be. What might be the risks and the benefits?

When it comes down to actually starting the conversation, it is important to find a time when nobody feels really pressured. If a person's parents are experiencing a lot of stress at a given time, then it's important to wait until the situation is less stressful. Try to find a time when the conversation won't be interrupted by other commitments anyone might have.

It's also important for everyone to try to be as open as possible during the discussion — both the teen and the parents. If everyone can agree to try and work through the feelings and reactions they have, then a comfortable resolution is much more likely.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.