Minors

In Maine, as in most states, there are certain health service areas—such as reproductive health care, substance abuse treatment, and mental health—in which minors can obtain confidential care without parental consent.

At the Family Planning Association of Maine, we encourage young people to involve their parents in health care decisions whenever possible—and most young people do involve at least one parent when making a decision about an unintended pregnancy. By providing their love and support, parents can play a crucial role for a teen who may be in crisis.

Healthcare providers can facilitate communication by discussing confidentiality with their young patients and encouraging them to involve a parent if possible. The resources below are particularly valuable for providers, teens, and parents.

• Minors’ Rights to Confidential Health Care in Maine: A Practitioner’s Resource (PDF)
• “Mom, Dad, I’m Pregnant”