New regulations would require minors to obtain parental consent before seeking STD care

Legislation that has been proposed by Republicans in Minnesota would require minors to obtain parental consent before they receive medical care for issues such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy or drug and alcohol abuse, according to a recent article published by the Daily Journal.

The newspaper explained that if approved, the new regulations would negate current laws that allow children under the age of 18 to confidentially consult doctors. Also, Minnesota would become the only U.S. state to require parental consent for STD treatment. However, the news provider noted that the proposed legislation allows for exceptions if an individual's condition is life-threatening or they cannot reasonably obtain permission due to circumstances of incest or abuse.

Aggie Leitheiser, a member of the state Department of Health, told the news source that she believes the new regulations would result in increased instances of unreported or untreated STDs and substance abuse problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for nearly half of the more than 19 million new STD infections reported annually in the U.S.