WHAT'S NEW

In both 2005 and 2006, Californians voted on measures that would have restricted a minor’s right to choose by requiring that she notify a parent 48 hours before getting an abortion. While both ballot measures were soundly defeated—Proposition 85 (2006) was defeated by an even greater margin than Proposition 73 (2005) —the supporters of the two failed measures are trying again. They have proposed a new, nearly identical initiative – Proposition 4 – that will appear on the November 2008 California ballot.

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A study by the Centers for Disease Control released March 11th 2008 estimates that one in four (26 percent) young women between the ages of 14 and 19 in the United States – or 3.2 million teenage girls – is infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis).  To read the Centers press release, click here..  To read  an article about teen access to the HPV vaccine, click here.

A study published August 1st 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control found that the percentage of  high schoolers who are sexually active or have ever engaged in sexual intercourse has gone down since 1991.  Unfortunately, the same study found no reduction in the prevalence of risky sexual behavior.  The New York Times suggests that this may be one reason there has been an increase in diagnosed HIV and AIDS cases among teens 15 to 19 years old.  To read the New York Times article, click here.  To see the CDC report, click here.

The Problem with Private Insurance
Youth Law News April-June 2007 - On June 8, 2006, the FDA approved the first vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). With its status as a vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, Immunization Advisory Committee, the HPV vaccine should be easily accessible. However, its high cost is becoming a barrier to care.

Parent Interest and Strategies to Encourage Vaccination
Youth Law News Jul - Sept 2006 - On June 8th, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the world's most common sexually transmitted disease and causes nearly 100 percent of cervical cancers in women. The vaccine presents the first opportunity to reduce the thousands of deaths and millions of medical interventions HPV currently causes each year.  download Youth Law News article pdf

Walnut Creek pediatrician Rahul K. Parikh explains why confidentiality is crucial to adolescent health and how parents sometimes struggle to accept this.

San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 21, 2007

Prop 85’s Defeat in California Means AAP v. Lungren Remains Law
Youth Law News Oct-Dec 2006 - The November 2006 election included significant victories for abortion rights across the United States. Restrictions on the right to choose were defeated in South Dakota, Oregon, and California.  download Youth Law News article pdf