Bucco Reiterates Concern that Parents Wouldn’t Be Notified of Hormonal Contraceptives Provided to Children Under Advancing Bill

Senator Anthony M. Bucco reiterated his concerns with legislation advanced by the Assembly Health Committee today that would authorize pharmacists to provide minors with hormonal contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription and without notifying the child’s parents.

“I am deeply concerned that this bill would allow children to be given hormonal contraceptives without the input of a doctor and without the notification or consent of parents,” said Bucco (R-25). “Parents are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children and they deserve to be part of the process when important medical decisions are made.”

Bucco voted against the legislation, S-275/A-4149, when it was considered by the New Jersey Senate in May.

“Children may not understand all of their risk factors or how to manage the bad reactions that sometimes occur with the hormones in birth control pills and other contraceptive devices,” Bucco added. “I can’t support passing a law that would weaken parental rights and put children’s health at risk.”