"A parent's or guardian's consent is "not a prerequisite for examination" of a minor experiencing the symptoms of an STI, but it "is required for treatment," reads S.B. 166. This means that if parental consent isn't obtained, a minor could be diagnosed with syphilis but unable to receive antibiotics to treat it. Many STIs can cause permanent damage or even death if left untreated."
"Under current Florida law, minors can get both diagnosed and treated for STIs without parental consent. Many teenagers are loath to talk to their parents about their sexual activities, and young people often believe that problems can go away on their own if they pretend like they don't exist. Even if very few parents would deny their kids antibiotics to treat syphilis, requiring parental consent for such treatment could leave many minors untreated."
Florida Senate Bill 166 would require parental consent for treatment of minors' sexually transmitted infections while allowing examinations without consent. Under the measure, a minor could be examined and diagnosed but not receive antibiotics without parental approval, risking untreated infections such as syphilis that can cause permanent harm or death. Current Florida law permits minors to be diagnosed and treated for STIs without parental consent. The bill would also require parental consent and school notification for mental health questionnaires and warn parents about questions on political affiliations, sexual behavior, and religious practices, reflecting parental-rights concerns.
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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