Dear 5209xx,

In general, parental permission is not needed for birth control. However, there may be certain locations where, for one reason or another, the provider will require parental permission. Confidentiality is up to the provider.

Planned Parenthood health centers are committed to providing services that are confidential and affordable, especially for teens, who may face special family and financial circumstances. To find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.

While the birth control pill is up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy when used correctly, it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Only latex and female condoms reduce the risk of infection.

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 unplanned pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted infections.

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.