State Rep. Plakon (R – Lake Mary) has confirmed her reckless bill, (HB 1505) to restrict minors’ access to a wide range of health care services, would block young Floridians from calling a suicide prevention hotline without parental consent.

If HB 1505 passes, it will create immense confusion and unnecessary interference with the doctor patient relationship. A minor will be unable to be prescribed birth control, receive treatment for an STI, or access outpatient mental health crisis services if a parent does not consent. This is extremely dangerous: untreated STIs can lead to cancer, reduced motor functions, infertility, and even death.

Thanks to citizen-led ballot initiatives to amend the state Constitution, Florida voters have raised the minimum wage, protected our beaches from oil drilling, legalized medical marijuana, created universal voluntary pre-kindergarten for children, and passed many other reforms when politicians in Tallahassee have refused to act.