The impact of parental consent on the HIV testing of minors.
OBJECTIVE
This investigation assessed change in use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing by minors after removal of the parental consent requirement in Connecticut.


METHODS
HIV counseling and testing records for 13- to 17-year-olds who accessed publicly funded testing sites were analyzed.


RESULTS
The number of visits increased by 44% from the 12-month period before the statutory change (n = 656) to the 12-month period thereafter (n = 965). The number of HIV tests increased twofold. Visits and tests of high-risk minors tripled.


CONCLUSIONS
Minors should have the right to consent to HIV testing.
Meehan
T M
TM
HIV/AIDS Bureau, Massachussetts Department of Public Health, Boston 02108, USA.
Hansen
H
H
Klein
W C
WC
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D003237:Connecticut; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D033242:Minors; D033282:Parental Consent; D010290:Parents; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors