To Require Written Consent Of A Parent Or Legal Guardian When Prescribing Long-acting Reversible Contraception To A Person Who Is Younger Than Eighteen Years Of Age.
Summary
HB1906 would amend Arkansas law to require a healthcare provider to obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian before prescribing long-acting reversible contraception to a person under 18 years of age. The bill defines an exception for emancipated minors, who would not be subject to the parental-consent requirement.
The measure also modifies the Arkansas Family Planning Act’s public policy language by adding an exception to the general rule that medically acceptable contraceptive procedures, supplies, and information are available to all persons regardless of age. In practice, the bill would create a new age-based restriction specifically for long-acting reversible contraception, such as IUDs and contraceptive implants, while leaving other contraceptive access rules unchanged in the text of the bill.
Impact
If enacted, HB1906 would create a new section in Title 20, Chapter 9 of the Arkansas Code requiring written parental or guardian consent before a minor under 18 can be prescribed long-acting reversible contraception, except for emancipated minors. It would also amend the Arkansas Family Planning Act to carve out this category from the state’s broader policy of contraceptive availability regardless of age. The bill would directly affect healthcare providers, minors seeking contraception, parents or legal guardians, and potentially clinics and family planning services that prescribe these methods.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no documented debate or recorded legislative sentiment in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears to reflect a restrictive approach to minor access to certain contraceptive methods, but the available record does not show whether support or opposition was expressed in committee or on the floor.
Contention
The central point of contention is likely parental involvement versus minor access to reproductive healthcare. Supporters would likely argue that parents or guardians should consent before a minor receives long-acting reversible contraception, while opponents would likely view the requirement as a barrier to confidential healthcare and contraception access for teenagers. The exception for emancipated minors may also be a point of discussion, but the provided materials do not include any recorded testimony or amendments identifying specific objections or supporters.