In this issue of THE JOURNAL, Reddy and colleagues1
describe the potential consequences of limiting confidential health care on
adolescent girls' willingness to use family planning services for prescription
contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although the study
results do not challenge the value of effective communication between parents
and children about sensitive issues, including sexuality, they highlight the
risks associated with mandating parental involvement in adolescent health
care. Moreover, the research findings will help to inform the debate about
privacy and minors' access to health care.