On Tuesday, Connecticut lawmakers passed House Bill 7213, a landmark legislation that guarantees minors under the age of 18 access to contraceptive and pregnancy-related care without requiring parental consent. The bill, which has garnered bipartisan support, passed the Senate with a 31-5 vote and the House with a 117-27 vote earlier this month.
Currently, Connecticut allows minors to consent to various health services, including emergency medical treatment, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and abortion. However, contraceptive and pregnancy-related care were previously exceptions, leading to inconsistencies in care. This new legislation aims to fill that gap.
“This bill allows minors under the age of 18 to independently consent to contraceptive and counseling services, prenatal care, and care and pain management during labor and delivery,” said Public Health Committee co-chair Sen. Saud Anwar during the floor debate. He emphasized that the bill is not about abortion but about ensuring comprehensive reproductive care for young people.
The measure also addresses privacy concerns by prohibiting providers from sharing information, including billing details, with parents without the minor patient’s consent. Additionally, it ensures that parents are not financially liable for services their child receives without their knowledge.
Sen. Heather Somers, the ranking member of the Public Health Committee, praised the bill as a “pro-woman, pro-baby, pro-saving lives” measure. She highlighted the importance of early prenatal care in preventing complications for both mothers and babies, noting that teen pregnancies are at higher risk for adverse outcomes such as premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirths.
Gretchen Raffa, chief policy and advocacy officer for Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, described the legislation as a “necessary step” to ensure that young people can access essential health services confidentially and without unnecessary barriers.
The passage of House Bill 7213 is part of a broader effort by Connecticut lawmakers to improve access to maternal and reproductive care. Other bills under consideration include expanding legal protections for physicians providing reproductive services via telehealth and allowing incarcerated individuals to breastfeed their children during visits.
