This bill mandates that healthcare providers obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian before prescribing long-acting reversible contraception to individuals under the age of eighteen. The legislation amends existing law to specify that, while medically acceptable contraceptive procedures and supplies are generally available, the requirement for parental consent is a new stipulation for this specific category of contraception.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, which clarifies that the consent requirement does not apply to emancipated minors. This change aims to ensure that parental involvement is a part of the decision-making process regarding long-acting reversible contraception for minors, while still recognizing the rights of emancipated individuals.

Statutes affected:
HB 1906: 20-16-304(1)