Discussion Guide for Fall 1999 Issue Many adults believe that teenagers, especially younger ones, tend to benefit from adult guidance when making medical decisions, such as decisions about reproductive health, and that, ideally, such guidance should come from parents. Many adults also recognize, however, that enforced involvement of parents in certain medical decisions may cause teens to forego needed care. A majority of states, therefore, specifically authorize a minor to consent to treatment for STDs and substance abuse and to obtain contraceptives - both prescription and non-prescription - without parental permission. Unfortunately, a high level of ignorance among teens about what their rights are renders those rights largely moot - and prevents teens from doing what adults constantly admonish them to: act responsibly. Use one or more of the following activities and questions to help students not only learn about their reproductive rights, but also to explore the idea that, along with rights come responsibilities.

Becoming a Responsible Citizen: Caring for Yourself and Others		Rights and Responsibilities
Taking Stock: What Do Teens Know About the Law?

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