Sex In New Jersey

1. Sex In New Jersey What are my rights? Source: Sex, Etc.

2. Disclaimer: • Information in this presentation is meant for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY! It is not meant to discourage you from talking to your parents/guardians about important health matters!

3. Sex Education • Mandated in NJ • Must be age appropriate • Abstinence must be taught & stressed as the only method to prevent pregnancy, STI transmission & HIV transmission • Contraceptives must be taught

4. What is the age of a minor in New Jersey? • You are considered a minor (someone who is not an adult) if you are under 18 years old. This is a legal status that lawmakers created for your protection. You should be informed because being a “minor” affects your right to information and services. • Keep in mind that these laws may be different for you if you are legally considered an emancipated minor, pregnant minor, minor living apart or married minor. You can learn more by talking to a legal representative at various agencies.

5. What is the age of consent in New Jersey? • In the eyes of the law, teenagers of certain ages cannot consent or agree to sex until they reach a specific age. This is called the “age of consent.” These laws are meant to protect minors from being manipulated or forced into sex with older people. Get familiar with these laws, so you and your partner know what is or isn’t legal in your state. Keep in mind that the laws may be different depending on the type of sexual behavior—vaginal, anal or oral—and the gender of your partner. • In New Jersey, you can legally consent to sexual intercourse when you become 16 years old.

6. What is considered statutory rape in NJ? • Aggravated sexual assault is sexual penetration with a victim under age 13. • Possible sentence: 10 to 20 years in prison • Sexual assault is sexual penetration with a victim between age 13 and 16 when the actor is at least four years older. • Possible sentence: 5 to 10 years in prison Other states: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2003/olrdata/jud/rpt/2003-r-0376.htm

7. What are my rights as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (GLBTQ) teen in New Jersey? • NJ public schools have Safe School laws regarding harassment/bullying. • There are statewide anti-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. State hate crimes laws include sexual orientation but not gender identity. • Call the Gay and Lesbian National Hotline at 1-888-THE-GLNH (843-4564) for help and support.

8. What are my rights to HIV and STD testing, including confidentiality in New Jersey? • Anyone 13 years old or older doesn't need permission from a parent or guardian to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV in NJ. But if you test positive for HIV or another STD and receive treatment, the health care provider may legally discuss this with your parents. • If you are a minor, ask before you make an appointment about confidentiality! • Tell the clinic staff how to contact you about test results and future appointments if you don’t want your parents knowing.

9. Continued…… • NJ offers both anonymous and confidential HIV testing. This means that if you get tested for HIV, you can choose to either have your results confidentially reported to the health department using your name, or have your results anonymously reported to the health department using a number code, not your name • To find a HIV testing site in your area, call the Centers for Disease Control’s 24-hour National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

10. Can I buy condoms in NJ? • There is no age requirement to buy condoms in NJ. • Check the expiration date!

11. What are my rights to Birth Control? • In NJ, a minor can get a prescription for birth control or receive other family planning services without a parent’s permission. • If you go to a Title X clinic (aka Planned Parenthood) your appointment will be completely confidential, including your billing and your records, but do speak to them ahead of time regarding how to contact you for test results, info, etc. • Fees are usually charged on a sliding scale fee.

12. But what if I go to my private doctor? • You need to ask them about their confidentiality policies. • Ask: • Can I get services at your office without my parents’ permission? • Can my parent/s have access to my records? • Will my parents see the bill?

13. Can I get Emergency Contraception (EC) in NJ? • 17+: you can go to a pharmacy and ask to buy EC – bring ID! • Under 17: go to a health care provider • If sexually assaulted: ER is required to give you info on EC and offer it to you if you want it.

14. How Can I Get A Pregnancy Test in NJ? • No minimum age requirement to buy one at a store (ex. CVS, Target, etc). • Title X clinics (aka Planned Parenthood) offer tests at reduced price. All tests are confidential – not shared with your parents or doctor. However, if you use your family insurance your parents will see the bill. • Beware of “Crisis Clinics” – often give misleading info to encourage people not to have an abortion.

15. What Are My Rights To An Abortion In NJ? • Over or under 18: You do not need parental consent. A law that would have required parental consent has been permanently blocked by the courts. • No mandatory waiting period for a teen in NJ. • NJ provides Medicaid for medically necessary abortions.