Increase Young People’s Access to Health Care

Act Now

It is critical that all young people have access to health care when they need it. Involving parents and guardians in a young person’s health care decisions is ideal. But not all young people have healthy, safe family relationships. In many cases, young people will not seek health care if they are required to involve a parent.

TAKE ACTION: Tell lawmakers to support legislation that would allow mature young people, who understand the risks and benefits of their health decisions, to consent to their own care.

Message Recipients:
Assembly Member Karines Reyes
Governor Kathy Hochul
Your representatives

Young person receiving healthcare at a doctor's office

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I am writing to urge you to support legislation that will expand young people’s access to health care.

It is imperative that all young people have access to health care when they need it. Involving parents and guardians in a young person’s health care decisions is ideal. But at the same time, not all young people have healthy, safe family relationships. In many cases, and in particular for sensitive care, young people will not seek health care if they are required to involve a parent, or their confidentiality is compromised.

A.6761 (Reyes) would fill the gaps in New York law by allowing decisionally-capable young people to consent to their own health care. Decisionally-capable young people are those who are mature enough to understand the need for, the nature of, and the risks and benefits involved in their health care choices, and any alternatives to that care.

This legislation is long overdue in New York. Nationwide, more than 20 states, either through statute or judicial decision, allow mature young people to consent to their own health care.

Parents should and will be involved in the vast majority of young people’s health care decisions. This bill sets up an important safety-net to allow those young people who have unsafe family relationships to get the care they need when they need it.

I hope you will push to pass this important bill. And if you do already support this legislation, thank you for doing so.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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Increase Young People’s Access to Health Care

Act Now

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