CLEVELAND - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio unveiled its new Spanish guide on teen health, Tu Salud y La Ley: Una Guía para Adolescentes. A translated and updated version of Your Health and the Law: A Guide for Teens, this booklet provides insight into both Ohio and federal laws regarding teen health care, while keeping the adolescent reader in mind.
ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “The initial response to the English teen health guide was overwhelming. We began to receive several requests for a Spanish version, and it became evident that there was a need for one to cater to the growing Spanish speaking population in Ohio.”
Link continued, “This resource contains vital information on teen medical rights that every young person, parent, educator, social worker and medical professional should have. By providing this information in Spanish, more Ohioans will be able to have access to accurate information about their rights when they need medical care.”
Since its launch in 2000, the English teen health guide has gone through three editions and been distributed to tens of thousands of people in Ohio either electronically or in hard copy.
Every day, teens are faced with adult situations and no information on where to get help. Out of fear or embarrassment, numerous adolescents avoid seeking help and exercising their health care rights. Covering issues from family planning to mental health counseling, the ACLU’s teen health guide serves as a catalyst for providing such information. Topics range from, but are not limited to, sexual health and eating disorders to domestic violence and substance abuse.
Within the teen health guide, there are legal explanations to the health care rights of minors, written in terms that a teen may understand. In addition, definitions and real life scenarios allow the reader to be fully aware of what choices are available to them. Most importantly, the Spanish teen health guide provides contact information for resources and social service agencies for further assistance.
