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The impact of parental consent on the HIV testing of minors
T M Meehan1, H Hansen, W C Klein
1HIV/AIDS Bureau, Massachussetts Department of Public Health, Boston 02108, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|August 1, 1997
Abstract
Objectives:
This investigation assessed change in use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing by minors after removal of the parental consent requirement in Connecticut.
Methods:
HIV counseling and testing records for 13- to 17-year-olds who accessed publicly funded testing sites were analyzed.
Results:
The number of visits increased by 44% from the 12-month period before the statutory change (n = 656) to the 12-month period thereafter (n = 965). The number of HIV tests increased twofold. Visits and tests of high-risk minors tripled.
Conclusions:
Minors should have the right to consent to HIV testing.