ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS
(and a bit more you might be curious about)
Know Your Healthcare Rights
In Missouri, if you are under the age of 18, you have the right to receive the services listed below without the permission of parents, your partner, or anyone else.
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- HIV testing and counseling
- Sexually transmitted infection(STI) testing, treatment, and counseling
- Prenatal Care
- Drug and alcohol use counseling
If you are under the age of 18, you will want to talk with your doctor or other service providers to receive other services confidentially, including:
- Birth control counseling and prescriptions
- Mental health services and counseling
- General healthcare
Learn more about teen’s rights to specific services here.
It is important to have a trusted adult to talk to about relationships and sex, whether that person is a parent, relative, mentor or counselor. They can help you get the services you need and support you in making healthy decisions.
If you need to speak privately with your doctor or nurse, all you need to do is ask. Missouri law allows doctors to keep patient information confidential, but if you are concerned about how services will appear on bills or insurance statements, you should ask in advance.
If you need birth control or STI testing, Title X providers can provide these services at little or no cost. Title X providers do not require parents’ permission. To learn more about what to expect when you visit a Title X clinic, visit the Missouri Family Health Council’s website.