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North Carolina lawmakers, led by
Sen. Buck Newton (R-Wilson County) and Sen. Warren Daniel (R-Burke and
Cleveland counties), have introduced Senate Bill 675 (SB 675), which would
require minors to get written permission from their parents or guardians before
obtaining any healthcare related to contraceptives, STDs, pregnancy, mental
health issues, or substance abuse treatment. The North Carolina Senate
healthcare committee is now considering the bill. The Wilson County Board of
Health and the N.C. Association of Local Health Directors oppose SB 675.
Proponents of the bill, which is
supported by the North Carolina Values Coalition, claim SB 675 will reclaim the
rights of parents to control healthcare decisions for their children. Coalition
Executive Director Tami Fitzgerald questioned why parents must give permission
for teenagers’ driving permits, field trips, or participation in sports, but
not medical decisions related to pregnancy, STD treatment, or substance abuse.
In contrast, opponents fear the bill
will result in unplanned pregnancies, higher STD rates, and life-or-death
situations. Wilson County Health Department Director Felix Meyer stated that
many youth are afraid to tell parents or are victims of sexual abuse, and it is
imperative for teenagers to get care before or after having sex. Meyer fears
the bill may result in higher rates of STDs, unplanned pregnancy, and infant
mortality.
Meyer also noted that SB 675
conflicts with Title X funding that authorizes healthcare services—with the
exception of abortion—for youth, regardless of age. Passage of SB 675 likely
would result in loss of Title X funding, which would be a “serious blow” to
health departments that provide a safety net in North Carolina communities.
NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina Executive Director Suzanne Buckley stated that
the US Supreme Court has upheld minors’ rights to confidential access to
contraceptives and family planning services through Title X and Medicaid.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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