Senate Bill 1288: Parental Rights

More Appropriately Titled: Stopping Young People from Accessing Health Care

Senate Bill 1288 is making its way through senate committees now. This legislation attempts to restrict the freedom of young people to access birth control and family planning. If approved, It would require parental consent for those under the age of 18 to obtain birth control or treatment for sexually transmitted infections. This bill would place extreme barriers in front of young people to protect themselves against unintended pregnancies and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The bill would also require parental approval for a minor to complete risk assessment surveys, such as suicide risk assessment surveys. 

“Forty-nine states allow minors to access STI treatment without parental consent and 35 states allow some or all minors to consent for their own contraception without parents’ involvement (24 states explicitly allow all minors to do so). This is because our state governments – and parents in local communities – have recognized that these laws help keep young people safe, especially young people who are in vulnerable or unsafe home situations.” – Michelle Grimsley Shindano, Director of Public Policy, Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates

Amid a rise in STI rates among Florida teens, this bill would eliminate the current exceptions medical providers have in prescribing birth control and STI treatment without parental consent. Requiring parental consent for treatment will deter minors from seeking necessary care and could quickly result in a public health crisis. With the 6-week abortion ban in place, access to birth control is more essential than ever before. 

If approved by the Rules committee, Senate Bill 1288 will move to the Senate floor for a vote. This bill was introduced by Senator Erin Grall, of Vero Beach. Senator Grall has also introduced legislation this session that would allow for parents to claim damages in the wrongful death of a fetus at any stage of development, potentially establishing fetal personhood. 

You can track the bill’s progress and read the full text here. It’s up for a vote on Monday afternoon. 

Lindsay Polega

LWVSPA Reproductive Rights Action Team Co-Chair