STI care for minors?

Gov. Jerry Brown has until Oct. 9 to sign or veto a bill that would allow minors to seek preventive care without parental consent for sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), according to media sources.

As the law now stands, it is illegal for anyone younger than 18 to receive any preventive care (such as vaccines) for STIs without consent from a legal guardian. If the bill (AB 499)—authored by state Assemblywoman Toni Atkins (D-San Diego)—passes, minors would have easier access to the vaccine for HPV, an infection that can lead to cervical cancer, infertility and death. Health experts recommend HPV vaccinations for girls as young as 11, before they become sexually active. Current law allows minors to seek post-infection treatment and abortions without parental consent.

Brown has not taken a public stance on the bill.