Will there be changes to laws that protect patient privacy for people under 18?
Yes, in certain states, changes in the law could affect patient privacy for people under 18, especially around reproductive health. Here's how privacy could be impacted:
Parental Consent and Notification: In some states, laws are increasingly requiring parental consent or notification for birth control, abortion, and sometimes even basic gynecological care. This means that young people may need to involve a parent in decisions they’d otherwise prefer to keep private.
Healthcare Provider Reporting: Some new laws could push healthcare providers to report certain types of reproductive care or sexual health information for minors, even if those were previously confidential. This could impact what teens feel comfortable sharing with their doctors.
Limits on Confidential Services: Clinics like Planned Parenthood have traditionally offered confidential services to minors, but state laws can restrict this, meaning teens may have fewer options for accessing private care.
Digital and Health Data Privacy: With growing digital surveillance concerns, privacy around health apps and electronic medical records could become a worry for teens as well. Apps that track reproductive health, for example, may be accessible to parents, depending on local laws or the app’s privacy settings.
Overall, these changes can make young people more cautious about seeking reproductive care if they’re worried their privacy isn’t protected. If privacy is a big concern, it might be worth having an open conversation with a healthcare provider about what’s confidential and how they can best protect their health information.
