Dear Clueless About the Pill,

Yes, the Pill is prescribed to you by your health care provider. In order to determine whether or not the Pill is a good option for you, your provider will do a physical exam and evaluate your medical history. This check-up and discussion at your visit are important because some women have risk factors that would make other forms of contraception better choices for them.

You mention in your letter that you don't want your parents to know that you're seeking the Pill. You did not identify your age. If you are a minor (under eighteen years), and you live in the United States, you have rights to confidential reproductive health care. What this means is that unless you consent or give permission to your health care provider, s/he cannot disclose your medical records to anyone, including your parents (except in the case of abortion services, which depends on your particular state's law). Additionally, since no state or federal laws exist at the present time that would prevent minors from obtaining contraception, they don't need parental consent or notification to get birth control pills, condoms, emergency contraception, and other contraceptive choices. According to The Center for Reproductive Law and Policy, "Access to contraceptive services is considered a fundamental privacy right and has remained so for over three decades."

Here are a couple of other things to consider where access and confidentiality are concerned: since the Pill is usually not covered by health insurance, determine how you'll pay and how it'll be billed at the time of your visit. Also keep the following in mind:

(1) If you still live with your parents and you don't want to be contacted at home, talk with a staff member (a receptionist or billing person) about how the office or clinic can reach you.

(2) If you are covered by your parents' health insurance and/or they are billed for your medical visits, ask your provider if the diagnosis and treatment on bills sent to them may compromise your confidentiality and how to prevent that from happening.

(3) If possible, pay with cash, which is the most secure and private payment method.

Regarding pricing, according to Planned Parenthood, a monthly pack of birth control pills at the drugstore can cost you about $15 - 35 dollars; the physical exam can range from $35 - 125 dollars. Clinics, such as the local Planned Parenthood clinic or adolescent health center, usually charge lower fees, and some services may even be free. Check out the Planned Parenthood web site to find the clinic nearest you.

As you mentioned, there's more information about the Pill under the contraception section of Alice's Sexual Health archive.

Alice

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