SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL APPROVAL TO ENSURE MINORS CAN ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) led the Connecticut State Senate in its final approval of legislation enshrining minors’ access to reproductive health care into law. Passing by a tally of 31-5, and having already passed in the House, this bill now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

“By increasing the breadth and scope of services accessible and available to minors in Connecticut supporting reproductive health care – most seriously focused on preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, encouraging safe sex and ensuring access to care and resources during pregnancies and labor – we take a step to not only keep our youths safe but provide them with stronger health throughout their adult lives,” said Sen. Anwar, the Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee. “This bill seeks to encourage safety and responsibility among our youth, countering concerning statistics known throughout our state. I hope to see Governor Lamont sign it into law soon.”

House Bill 7213, “An Act Concerning Access To Reproductive Health Care,” allows minors to give consent to receive reproductive healthcare treatments and services, including contraceptive counseling and services, prenatal care and pain management during labor, without requiring parental consent.

The bill also seeks to protect minors seeking care by preventing physicians and health care providers from sharing information about such services, including sending a bill, with parents or guardians without the express consent of that minor.
Importantly, the bill doesn’t affect abortion services for minors and is instead focused on preventative care.

Its provisions do not affect the obligation to make a report to the Department of Public Health or Department of Children and Families or other reports or disclosures required under state law. Parents and guardians not informed of such services are not liable to pay for them.

Existing law already allows minors to access treatments for sexually transmitted disease, alcohol and drug use recovery, HIV testing or treatment, abortions and abortion counseling and outpatient mental health treatment.

Connecting minors to these services will help ensure their safety. According to Connecticut’s 2023 School Health Survey, nearly 30% of Connecticut high schoolers have had sex, with the number climbing over 40% by graduation, and while more than half reported using condoms, only 10% used multiple layers of protection and 11% used no protection whatsoever. In Connecticut, the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections are among people ages 15-24.

Increasing access to resources supporting this care can cut down on teen pregnancies and STIs, as well as preserve the health of minors who give birth.

The bill received support in public testimony from organizations including the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers, which supported its ability to promote informed choices among minors; Fair Haven Community Health Care, which noted the bill provides clarity for healthcare providers; the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, which noted the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists support access to services provided in the bill; and the ALCU of Connecticut, which said the bill would prevent delays in provision of health care.

The bill previously passed the House on May 1 by a 117-27 tally and passed the Public Health Committee by a 19-11 vote on March 27.