Youth Issues - Health - Know Your Rights - Sexual Health

Abortion and Pregnancy Options

Abortion is one of four options a woman may take if she becomes pregnant. An abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy by the removal of an embryo or fetus.  Abortions are not generally performed after 24 weeks from the start of the last period so women who are thinking about an abortion you must make a decision as soon as possible. If you or someone you know has become...

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STIs and HIV

In the District of Columbia, STI and HIV rates are among the highest in the nation. For that reason, it is important that all sexually active individuals use the appropriate contraception, get tested regularly communicate with all sex partners, and treat any STIs as directed by medical professionals. 

Your Rights

A minor of any age may consent to health...

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Birth Control

Birth control, also known as contraception, includes any method used to prevent pregnancy. While the term “birth control” is commonly used to refer to birth control pills, it actually refers to all contraception methods beyond the pill.

Your Rights

  • You have the right to receive confidential health services.
  • You have the right to obtain birth...
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Condoms and Other Barriers

Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protect against BOTH pregnancy and STIs. They should be used consistently and correctly every time.

Your Rights

A minor of any age may consent to health services which he or she requests for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a sexually transmitted disease. (DC Law 600.7)

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Dating Violence

Teen Dating Violence or Domestic Violence can take numerous forms – many of which don’t leave any physical marks. Dating Violence is a widespread issue. In fact of the high school students who have dated, 21% of females and 10% of males have experienced physical and/or sexual dating violence1...

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Parenting

Your Rights

  • If you attend a DC Public School, you have the right to equal treatment.  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities.
  • If you attend a DC Public School and you are pregnant, you have the right to continue...
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Sexual Assault and Harrassment

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. If you or someone you know has experienced any type of unwanted sexual experience, we encourage you to get help. If you would like to press charges and you are over 18, the Metro Police Department has a Sexual Assault Unit and if you are under the age of 18 they have a Youth Investigations Branch that you will be connected to...

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LGBTQ Issues

LGBTQ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer and is used to designate a community of people whose sexual or gender identities can create shared political and social concerns. The LGBTQ acronym does not encompass everybody and different organizations may use fewer or more letters, for example, an “I” to indicate intersex. 

Your Rights...

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Sexuality Education

Sexuality Education is instruction on health information regarding bodily development, sex, sexuality, and relationships. Students starting in Kindergarten should be receiving sexuality education as a way to promote health and well-being.

Your Rights

  • You have the right to health and sexuality education in DCPS public and public charter schools.
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