A recent Tennessee law aimed at expanding parental rights may have significant unintended consequences, particularly in a state already grappling with increasing cases of HIV and syphilis. This legislation is part of a broader conservative movement to enhance parental control over children’s education and health care decisions, with a focus on gender and sexuality issues.
Similar bills have been proposed in Congress and other states this year, reflecting a growing trend to curtail minors’ access to certain health services.
Historically, minors in all states could consent to HIV and sexually transmitted disease testing without parental approval as of 2021. However, the legislative landscape is shifting. The National Coalition of STD Directors reports that at least 52 bills aimed at expanding parental rights have been introduced in state legislatures this year, some of which impact minors’ access to health services.
Alongside Tennessee, Idaho recently passed similar legislation, both requiring parental consent for health care decisions and access to medical records.
Tennessee Law on Parental Rights Could Hinder Access to STI Testing Amid Rising Health Cases
Tennessee’s new law changes previous provisions that allowed teens aged 14 or older to seek STD services without parental consent. The new legislation mandates that parents must be consulted before any non-emergency health care decisions are made, including those related to HIV and STI testing. Lawmakers who supported the bill argue that it ensures parental involvement and oversight in their children’s health care.
Critics of the law, including health professionals and lawmakers, warn that it could impede efforts to address the rising rates of STIs among young people. Lindsey Dawson from KFF highlights that lack of confidentiality could deter teens from seeking necessary testing and treatment. This concern is particularly pressing given that young people account for a significant portion of new HIV diagnoses.
In Tennessee, the impact of this law is already visible. The Memphis region, for instance, has seen alarming increases in HIV and syphilis rates among young people. The law could further complicate public health efforts to combat these trends, with health departments needing parental consent before testing minors for STIs, potentially reducing access to essential services.
The broader debate around parental rights and minors’ medical records is part of a larger national conversation about health and education, especially concerning gender and sexuality.
The push for increased parental control has been championed by various conservative groups and politicians, and similar legislation has surfaced in other states. Critics argue that these laws reflect a political strategy rather than a focus on public health, echoing ongoing legal battles over family planning and parental consent at the federal level.
