Dear dustinismybaby2,

In general, parental permission is not needed for prescription methods of birth control. However, there may be certain locations where, for one reason or another, a health care provider will require parental permission. Check your provider's policy about confidentiality before reporting anything you want to keep confidential.

Abstinence is the most effective way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but people who are sexually active can greatly reduce their risk by using birth control, practicing safer sex, and seeing a clinician regularly.

Planned Parenthood health centers strive to provide services that are confidential and affordable, especially for teens. But for one reason or another, health care providers in certain locations may not be able to guarantee complete confidentiality. To find out about the Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.

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.