The ability for minors to consent to sensitive health care services varies greatly by state. For example, 25 states and the District of Columbia allow minors (12 and older) to consent to contraceptive services. 3 states allow all minors to consent to abortion services; 22 states require at least one parent to consent to a minor's abortion [Guttmacher Institute, State Policies In Brief, 2009]. Current Arizona law allows minors 12 and older to consent to contraceptive and STI services. However, the Arizona legislature passed a bill in June of 2009 strengthening consent laws to restrict abortion access for minors.

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