The right to contraceptives was granted in Griswold v. Connecticut for married couples and Eisenstadt v. Baird for unmarried couples. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
Associated Press file photo
Discover, Fort Worth: The Star-Telegram answers your questions. Our mission is to help you navigate life in County Tarrant. If you have any questions that you would like us to consider, submit them by this form.
Contraceptives remain legal in Texas after the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade June 24.
The right to contraceptives was granted in Griswold v. Connecticut for married couples and Eisenstadt v. Baird for unmarried couples. In the Supreme Court’s opinion quashing Roe v. Wade, Judge Brett Kavanaugh said the decisions made in those cases were not in issue, but Judge Clarence Thomas said the court should also reconsider those precedents.
A Star-Telegram reader asked about access to birth control for teens after Roe v. Wade. Here’s what we discovered.
Q: “How hard is it for a 15 year old to get birth control pills? Can minors consult their family doctor and obtain a prescription? -FT
A prescription is needed for some birth control methods, including pills, patches, and IUDs. A prescription can be issued by a doctor in their office or at a health care facility such as Title X and Planned Parenthood clinics.
Pharmacists can write a prescription for birth control pills from places like CVS with no prior visit to the doctor necessary, but this is only available to those 18 and over.
In Texas, people under 18 are required to obtain consent from their parents or guardians to receive prescription birth control at most clinics, including Planned Parenthood.
Q: “How much does the prescription cost?” »
The prescription fee for birth control pills can range from $0 to $50 depending on insurance coverage. According to Planned Parenthood, the prescription is free with most health insurance plans or through government programs like Medicaid.
Prescription fee for a pack of Contraceptive patches can range from $0 to $150 depending on insurance coverage.
Obtain a The IUD can range from $0 to $1,300 with free or low-cost options available through some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government plans, according to Planned Parenthood.
An appointment with a doctor is required before a birth control prescription can be given, which costs money outside of potential prescription costs. Planned Parenthood estimates that a visit to the doctor can range from $35 to $250, but insurance plans may cover the visit.
Q: “Is the doctor obliged to inform the parents or does he need the parents’ authorization?”
To Family planning clinicsconsent must be given before receiving birth control pills, an injection, an implant or an IUD.
Consent of a parent or guardian is not required if the minor is insured by Medicaid or is emancipated.
Title X Family Planning Program clinics, funded by the United States Bureau of Health and Human Services, provide care for everyone, including those insured by Medicaid or those who are uninsured . In 2019, 41% of Title X Clinic patients were uninsured and 38% were enrolled in public insurance programs like Medicaid, according to the Office of Population Affairs.
While minors can receive reproductive care at Title X clinics, the Texas family code requires that services must comply with parental consent requirements for minorsaccording to Texas Health and Human Services.
This story was originally published August 19, 2022 2:42 p.m.