Newsletter: September 2002: A Closer Look at Minors' Rights

The Reproductive Rights Project of the New York Civil Liberties Union recently released its report, "Legal Analysis of Minors' Rights to Consent to and Receive Confidential Treatment Following a Sexual Assault." At the Alliance's latest quarterly meeting Anna Schissel, an Attorney at the NYCLU, explained some of the legal issues regarding providers who treat minors following a sexual assault.

A minor is allowed to consent to treatment without parental notification if he or she can give informed consent. According to NYCLU research, no provider has ever been sanctioned for allowing a mature minor to consent to treatment, or for keeping client records of such a patient confidential. For a more detailed discussion of this topic, read the Project's "Minors and Rape Crisis Treatment Q&A," available on the Alliance's website.

Project Director Rebekah Diller, who planned to speak at the meeting, was called to Albany where State legislators were considering Bill Number 10596, known as the Clergy Abuse Law. Thankfully the bill, which Ms. Schissel discussed in some detail, has been held over due to concerns that arose over the bill's possible threats to minors' access to counseling and healthcare.

In addition to the NYCLU's report, the meeting heard reports from the Hospital Committee, the Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims and the Queens Borough Task Force on Sexual Assault.

The anti-sexual violence movement is strengthened by collaboration. The movement's ability to advocate for itself is increased when all its members are aware of each other's concerns, challenges and needs. Please join us at our next quarterly meeting on October 1st.

Kate Woodrow is the Outreach and Education Associate at The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. [[2] more]

[3] ← previous article | [4] next article →

[1]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_author_1.html
[2]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_author_1.html
[3]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_110.html
[4]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_112.html

Copyright © 2000-2008 by The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault