Can you explain current laws on how individuals under the age of 18 can access birth control and how we expect that to change under a Trump administration?

Right now, minors can generally get birth control without needing parental consent in most places, thanks to federal laws that protect access and allow for confidential services. They can get a prescription from a doctor, and in many cases, even access emergency contraception without parental permission. The specifics do vary by state, though—some require parental consent or notification, especially in more conservative areas.

Under a Trump administration, things could change a bit. There will likely be more push for parental consent laws, which could make it harder for teens to get birth control without their parents being involved, depending on where they live. The administration has been less supportive of organizations like Planned Parenthood, so if funding for these services gets cut, it will limit access, especially for minors who rely on these clinics for confidential care.

There’s also the issue of insurance coverage. Minors often rely on insurance coverage for contraceptives, which is protected under the Affordable Care Act, which the Trump administration plans to reverse.

Additionally, we might see a shift back toward abstinence-only education, which will leave teens with less information about birth control options, making it even harder for them to access contraception when they need it.

In short, while minors can still get birth control in most places, a Trump administration will bring in more obstacles, whether through parental consent laws, funding cuts, or changes to insurance coverage—so it might become a bit harder for teens to get the care they need.