<p>When I read this, my reaction was the same a Romanigypsieyes’ in post #4. After age 18, it isn’t even an issue. It’s legally none of your business, what medical treatment your child gets, has gotten, etc. HIPPA regs prohibit that. I couldn’t even get a CVS list of prescriptions for my kids for tax/record/health count purposes, though they were on my insurance, I’m the one who took them to the doctors, picked up and paid for the meds (and the doctor fees) after insurance. </p>
<p>I do believe that there should NOT be an exception for birth control and other related medical treatments and issues for those under 18. It makes no sense that there should be. When a parent is in synch for all medical issues, it can be very important to know the full picture, and get what’s going on.</p>
<p>As a parent I purchased a large box of condoms when my oldest son was around 14, told him where it could be found in the bathroom and promised that I would never ask any questions. I repurchased boxes through the years as needed. That was almost 9 years ago. All three of my kids have always had condoms readily available. We told them to always use a condom, no matter what their partners say about birth control. We have one last child still at home, and condoms are still in the same place. </p>
<p>What I want is for my kids to have birth control (and STD control) readily available. Period.</p>
<p>If you are 17 of older you may purchase PlanB without a prescription. Younger women need a prescription.
As far as parental notification goes, Im guessing the cuttoff is 13/14 as to align with HIPAA laws.</p>
<p>I think there is a difference between adults (18+) and children. I also think there is a difference between birth control that can be obtained anywhere and methods that need to be prescribed.</p>
<p>I don’t think that any adult should be allowed to prescribe medication for any of my children who are under 18 without my consent. A doctor cannot prescribe acne medication, sinus medication, headache medication, or ANY other medication without my consent. I don’t see why they should be allowed to prescribe birth control pills or other prescription birth control without my consent. Parents should be in control of their minor child’s health care in ALL areas.</p>
<p>However, condoms are not medication and there is no age limit to purchase condoms. There is no reason to notify parents that their child was given something that the child could obtain on their own.</p>
<p>Health professionals are already allowed to see minor children without parental consent.
Indeed unless the minor has given a signed release, the medical professional cannot discuss care with the parent, even if they have given verbal consent in my state.</p>
<p>There is a reason why BC needs to be prescribed, right? We don’t set the guideline to make it difficult for people to get BC, otherwise people would need a prescription for condoms.</p>
<p>When I lived in a developing country for few years, I was able to get a lot of antibiotics without a prescription. Does it mean we (US) should follow suit?</p>
<p>We’ve actually made many, many drugs non-prescription over time. Claritin, Zyrtec, Dimetapp, omeprazole, Afrin and I don’t know how many others were at one time prescription medications. That’s just off the top of my head. There are probably dozens more. Conversely, we have people in Seattle who take bus trips to Canada to buy what is up there non-prescription meds like Codeine tablets that one needs a prescription for here.
There are many medications for treatment of many medical issues that have interactions and side effects and yet are still available over the counter. Where does the line get drawn?</p>
<p>Where the line is drawn is probably determined by people more knowledgeable than me, or most of posters here. However it is drawn, if it is a prescription drug, I would want to know before it is given to my underaged kid.</p>
<p>But kids aren’t going around hiding the fact that they are exposing themselves to the risks of acne, sinus, or headache. </p>
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<p>This is because in less than ideal situations, kids are at the mercy of adults who cannot be tusted to act in the kids’ best interest. Kids in ideal situations can and do get their parents approval for all medical decisions.</p>
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<p>Absolutely on board. The possible risks of taking the pill without consulting a doctor can be covered in the warning label. Ease of access to birth control should be supported because the risks of unprotected sex are too great. </p>
<p>We know that condoms are very effective if used properly but are often not used or used improperly. Using the pill + condom should be encouraged.</p>
<p>Its disturbing to me, that the states which do not require medically accurate sexual health information to be taught to appropriately aged students, are often the same states where birth control is difficult if not impossible to access.</p>
<p>For those of us fortunate enough to have good Rx coverage as part of our medical plans, it sure is more expensive when drugs go OTC. The expense alone will keep many young girls from using Plan B.</p>
<p>After DD’s first trip to the mall after she started college, she posted to FB a pic of herself looking sad while pointing to a maternity store sign under the caption, “My Mom’s Worst Nightmare.” No, I don’t want her to be promiscuous because I want her to respect her body, but I also took her to get the HPV shots. I also worry about dependence on The Pill because I know I was more religious about taking them than she ever will be.</p>
<p>It is way more expensive when it is OTC.
H tried to quit smoking with patches when they were prescription, they were very expensive without it.
Also, just because medication is sold over the counter does not mean it is innocuous!
Over the counter meds can be very toxic and dangerous.
Acetaminophen is toxic to liver in doses not that much stronger than the maximum dose.</p>
<p>If my child is 18 yrs old, then I think it is fine. I have no problem with it. It is their bodies, their choices. I just am glad they would protect themselves.</p>