For more than 10 years, the ACLU of Ohio’s teen health guide, Your Health and the Law: A Guide for Teens, has been a popular and useful resource to help teenagers, parents, educators, social service and medical professionals, and others to understand the complex legal issues surrounding teen health. This well-reviewed guide can benefit teenagers in Ohio, as well as caregivers and professionals.
Our video series answers some of the most common questions teens have about their healthcare. Watch our Video Guide for Teens to find out about emergency contraception, confidential counseling, test results and more.
Teen health can be a complicated issue in Ohio, so we gathered helpful health and legal resources, tips and real-life scenarios, and answers to common but often tricky questions. Topics ranging from health laws, rights and responsibilities, treatment, sexuality, violence, body art, consent, and confidentiality, are all included. This resource is for teens and anyone else with their best interests in mind. Health care law can be challenging to understand and to navigate, especially when it comes to teenagers. Often, they don’t feel comfortable going to adults for health advice. That’s why we want teens using our guide to know that there are caring adults and professionals who are willing to help them deal with difficult situations. Teens should know what health-related rights they have in our state and what resources are available to them. Our health guide is a good place to start.
Important Information
The material provided here is for basic informational purposes only. It’s not meant to be taken as legal advice, nor should you rely on this information instead of seeking the advice of an attorney. The legal issues surrounding civil rights and civil liberties are among the most complex in the law, and a person’s rights may vary from case to case depending on small and subtle details. Only a lawyer who has taken the time to become fully aware of the facts in a given case can provide you with sound legal advice.
If you feel your rights have been violated, contact an attorney at once. The law imposes time limits on most actions to defend your rights, so it’s important to act quickly. If you do not know how to reach an attorney, call the lawyer referral service of your local bar association. They will be able to direct you to a lawyer experienced in the type of law involved in your case.
If you are under 18, finding a lawyer can be difficult. Many lawyers don’t represent minor clients without a parent’s permission. If it’s possible, speak to a trusted adult about finding a lawyer. Legal clinics based in universities may be able to assist minors in figuring out their legal options.