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Get Info for Young People

Sexual and reproductive health care is just as important for teens as it is for adults! We've included information below to help you make informed decisions about your health. Learn more about your rights and options, and visit our resources to get more information or support.

Sexual and reproductive rights for minors in Texas are complicated, but you DO have rights!

Whether or not their parents say it's okay, people under 18 can:

  • Buy condoms, emergency contraception like Plan B®, and the birth control pill Opill® at stores, pharmacies, or online without a prescription

  • Get free emergency contraception from groups like Every Body Texas

  • Go to most clinics to get help with:

    • Pregnancy tests and learning about their options

    • Care during pregnancy

    • Info about birth control and non-prescription options like Plan B® or Opill®

    • Testing and treatment for most sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    • Counseling or treatment for things like depression, suicidal thoughts, or drug and alcohol problems

*Over-the-counter (OTC) means you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy it. You can get these types of medicines — like Advil® or Neosporin® — at places like Walgreens, HEB, or on Amazon.

 

If their parent or guardian says it's okay, people under 18 can:

  • Get prescription birth control (the kind a doctor has to approve) at clinics that offer it, like Title X clinics

  • Get prescription emergency birth control—like IUDs or a pill called ella®—at clinics that provide those services, including Title X clinics

 

Some kids and teens in special situations can get medical care without needing permission from their parents. These special cases include:

  • Teens who are legally considered adults (called “emancipated”)

  • Teens who are 16 or older, live on their own, and pay for their own needs

  • Teens who are in the U.S. military

  • Teens who are in jail or prison run by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

  • Teens who are pregnant and not married—they can agree to medical care related to the pregnancy, but not an abortion

**Important: If a young person who is 13 or younger says they are sexually active, or tests positive for pregnancy or an STI, the doctor must report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Minors (under 18) can still access over-the-counter emergency contraception in Texas!

Over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception is a pill you can take to help prevent pregnancy if you've had unprotected sex. It works for up to 3 days after, but it works best the sooner you take it. Some common brands are Plan B®, E-Contra®, and My Way®.

This is different from another emergency contraception pill called ella®, which you can only get with a prescription from a doctor.

Important things to know about OTC EC:

  • There's no age limit—you can get OTC emergency contraception at any age

  • It works better the faster you take it

  • You don't need a parent’s permission to get it

  • You don’t need a prescription to get it

Accessing Emergency Contraception

You can buy emergency contraception (EC) at places like CVS, Walgreens, HEB, or online through websites like Amazon or Nurx.

Some groups, like Every Body Texas, can also give you emergency contraception for free if you need it.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and have EC ready just in case. You can ask for one of our free Repro Kits, and we’ll mail it straight to you.

To learn more about how to get emergency contraception quickly, click the button below.

Find EC Near Me

Opill®, the first OTC birth control pill, is available to teens in Texas!

Opill® is a birth control pill you take every day by mouth. It’s safe for most people and can prevent pregnancy about 98% of the time if you use it right.

Quick facts about Opill® for young people:

  • There’s no age limit to get Opill®

  • You don’t need your parents’ permission to get it

  • You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy it

How to get Opill®:

Opill® usually costs around $20 for a month’s supply, but the price can change depending on the store. You can buy it at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, online at places like Amazon, and at stores like HEB.

To learn more about Opill®, go to FreethePill.org or check out FAQs at Bedsider.

Resources for Young People

Click on the cards below for more resources to help you make the best decisions for your health.

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