AAP Updates Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance
June 24, 2025
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4 min
8 Key Takeaways
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1
AAP has updated guidelines for pediatricians on contraceptive counseling for adolescents.
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2
The new policy emphasizes an adolescent-centered approach for contraceptive decision-making.
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3
The guidelines aim to address structural inequities limiting adolescents' access to effective contraceptive care.
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4
Emphasis is placed on supporting adolescent self-consent for contraception and maintaining confidentiality.
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5
The policy provides recommendations for expanding access through innovations such as telehealth and pharmacist prescribing.
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6
Inclusive language and individualized contraceptive counseling for transgender and gender-diverse adolescents are highlighted.
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7
Health system reforms are recommended to support comprehensive, confidential care for adolescents.
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8
Coordination across systems, including pharmacies, schools, and digital platforms, is emphasized for ensuring equitable contraceptive access for all adolescents.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines, recommending pediatricians to offer contraceptive counseling and services to adolescents with an emphasis on access, confidentiality, and reproductive health equity. The updated policy aims to address recent legal, social, and health system developments influencing adolescent reproductive care and to provide adolescents with a developmentally appropriate approach for contraceptive decision-making.
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