In an ideal world, teenagers would not be engaging in risky sexual activity and would not be catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But we do
Even if not. The kids who need the privacy are the same kids with the parents fighting to remove it, no doubt. All those “parental notification” rules are evil for the same reason.
If your kid felt safe telling you, they would tell you! My kids could talk to me, and did, but I always let them know that confidential testing and treatment was available for $30 from the county clinic (that charge was for all the tests plus any uncomplicated treatment, or education and referral for more complicated treatment). I used it plenty as an adult, way cheaper than the doctor for all the tests to make sure all ok before a new relationship.
One big problem is the parents could very well be the ones who gave them the STD.
Even if not. The kids who need the privacy are the same kids with the parents fighting to remove it, no doubt. All those “parental notification” rules are evil for the same reason. If your kid felt safe telling you, they would tell you! My kids could talk to me, and did, but I always let them know that confidential testing and treatment was available for $30 from the county clinic (that charge was for all the tests plus any uncomplicated treatment, or education and referral for more complicated treatment). I used it plenty as an adult, way cheaper than the doctor for all the tests to make sure all ok before a new relationship.