The Legal Stuff

Consent

16 is the legal age to consent to have sex. Consent means that both people say yes. It is not ok to talk someone into sexual activities, this could be sexual assault, or rape. Drugs and alcohol are not an excuse.

Contraception

There is no lower age limit. That means you can talk to Family Planning, or your doctor, and get advice and prescriptions for condoms ($3 for up to 144) and for contraception like the pill or Depo Provera (the jab.)

It’s confidential – Family Planning staff and your local doctor can’t tell your parents or anyone else (unless you are under 16 and they think you are being abused by someone who is much older than you.)

Who’s your daddy?

If you father a child you’re responsible for it until he / she turns 19. If you are under 16 the financial responsibility falls on your parents.