Some nurses may give you a hard time and ask questions about why you want contraception, HIV testing, STI treatment or a pregnancy test. They may try and embarrass you. The law says you can get treatment, birth control or most services without a parent’s consent once you are 16. If you are 15 or under, you can get the same treatment but need a parent’s permission.

What is important is that you stand your ground and get what you want. Here are some comebacks to problems they may throw at you.

• They say Why do you need birth control? You are not old enough to be having sex.
• You reply Thanks but I am here to get birth control. I am over 16 and it is legally allowed. Who can help me?

• They say Go back to school and don’t worry about sex yet.
• You reply I was told I am legally allowed to get treatment. If you can’t help me, can I please see someone who will.

• They say Does your mom know you’re here? What would she say?!
• You say I am over 16 so I don’t need her permission. Thank you for worrying.

• They say Shame on you! Are you married?
• You say No. But I have the right to birth control / a pregnancy test. Can you help me or should I wait to see another nurse?

A nurse may try and make you feel small or embarrassed, but you do have the right to treatment if you are 16 or over. If you are 15 or under you do need to take a parent with you.

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