Birth control from Nurx costs as little as $0 with insurance or $15 per month without insurance.
Medically reviewed by Jenny Ingle Pappas, MSN, APRN, FNP-C on December 21, 2020
Nurx is not able to serve new patients under 18 years old at this time. Any person of any age can buy non-prescription birth control, such as over-the-counter Opill here.
People under the age of 18 can get birth control, but there are a number of factors that may make it more difficult for them to do so. The kind of birth control you want to get, the insurance you have, the state you live in, and your parents’ consent can all influence how easy it is to get birth control before you reach legal adulthood.
Beyond preventing unwanted pregnancy, birth control is a safe and effective way to regulate periods and lessen menstrual symptoms, and some formulas improve acne, all of which make it a helpful option for young people regardless of sexual activity. If you’re under 18 and trying to figure if and how you can get access to birth control, here’s what you need to know:
When Can I Get Birth Control?
The age at which young people can access prescription birth control methods varies based on where you live. Each state has a different set of regulations around birth control, and different forms of birth control have different restrictions applied to them.
This state-by-state guide can give you a summary of the relevant birth control laws where you live. Some cities may even have laws different from their states, so do research before making a plan of action.
Do I Need My Parents’ Permission to Buy Birth Control?
Teens are generally able to get prescription birth control without their parents’ permission, though that is not true in every state. If you use your parents’ health insurance to buy birth control, however, there’s a chance that they’ll receive a notification about it from their health care plan. Buying birth control out-of-pocket can help ensure privacy, but this may make some forms prohibitively expensive.
Buying Prescription Birth Control
Hormonal birth control such as the birth control pill needs to be prescribed by a medical provider. Making an appointment with your doctor, gynecologist, or local health clinic can set you on the path to getting the prescription you need as soon as possible. Some clinics even offer plans for women who need assistance paying for their birth control.
Buying Non-Prescription Birth Control
Any person of any age can buy non-prescription birth control such as over-the-counter Opill, condoms, and Plan B emergency contraception. While the sale of Plan B was originally restricted to those over age 17, the age limit was later lowered to 15 before being abolished entirely in June 2019. While this means that you’ll always have access to emergency contraception as necessary, Plan B is not a substitute for traditional birth control.