Next Thursday, Nov. 13, is Thanks, Birth Control Day -- a day dedicated to showing a little extra love for our birth control method of choice. Most women use birth control at some point in their lives (99% to be exact!) and people across the gender spectrum may choose to use birth control as well. People use birth control for many different reasons -- whether it be to prevent pregnancy or for other health reasons, like regulating periods, controlling skin breakouts or relieving menstrual migraine headaches. On #ThxBirthControl Day, we’re encouraging everyone to talk about why we love birth control and what it’s done for us and our communities!
So this #ThxBirthControl Day, let’s show some love to birth control — and make sure everyone knows their rights when it comes to getting it. Everyone has the right to bodily autonomy. The more you know, the more power you have to make the choices that are right for you.
🧠 What You Should Know About Birth Control in California
👏 You don’t need anyone’s permission
In California, anyone of any age can get birth control on their own. You have the right to make your own decisions about your body and your health— no parent or guardian permission needed.
🤫 You can keep it private
Worried about someone finding out? Don’t be. When you visit a clinic or doctor for birth control, your information is confidential — meaning your doctor can’t tell your parents or anyone else without your permission.
If you’re using a parent’s or spouse’s health insurance, you might need to take one extra step to keep your info private — visit myhealthmyinfo.org
to learn how.
💸 You can get birth control for free!
If you have health insurance, birth control is 100% covered under California law.
No insurance? No problem:
Family PACT offers free and confidential birth control for anyone in California. Find a clinic at www.familypact.org or call 800-952-1054.
Medi-Cal also covers birth control for free. If you’re under 21, only your income counts (not your parents’). Learn more at www.medi-cal.ca.gov
.
📍 Where to Get It
You’ve got options! Your regular doctor or a family planning clinic. Some pharmacies (they can prescribe the pill, patch, or ring right there!)
There are some apps that offer birth control by mail, but these cost more money and you have to pay by credit card.
Use the TeenSource Clinic Finder
Pro tip: you can ask for up to a 12-month supply of birth control at once! Just ask your doctor.
📅 Making an Appointment
When you call a doctor or clinic, just say you want an appointment for birth control — they’ll guide you from there.
Need to go during school hours? You’re allowed! California law says you can take time off from school for confidential health care (no parent permission required). Talk to your school office or counselor to learn how.
Read TeenSource’s tips for visiting a clinic to know what to expect.
And it’s not just for birth control — you can also access mental health care, STI prevention, drug treatment, and more. Visit TeenHealthLaw.org
for the full list of your rights.
💬 Why We’re Saying #ThxBirthControl
Birth control means freedom, choice, and control over your own future. Whether you use it or not, knowing your rights helps you support yourself and your friends.
So — what makes you say #ThxBirthControl?
Post about it on social media and tag @teensourceorg on Instagram or @teensource on Twitter. Let’s spread the word that #BirthControlMatters. 💛