Sexual Privacy: Access of a Minor to Contraceptives, Abortion, and Sterilization Without Parental Consent

Until recently, a minor\u27s access to ordinary medical treatment and to such services as contraception, abortion, and sterilization has been severely limited by the legal prerequisite of parental consent. While purporting to act in the minor\u27s best interest, the law has hindered making such medical care available to minors who need and desire it. However, the law has been changing; relying on privacy rights as protected by the Constitution, courts and legislatures have granted independent access-in a selective and piecemeal fashion-to medical services concerning reproductive capacity and sexual activity