WHAT IS SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH?

Sexual and reproductive health includes everything from general health care to birth control. Good sexual and reproductive health includes your physical, mental and social well-being. It means that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, have the ability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.

Young people in foster care can make many decisions about their sexual and reproductive health care on their own. Foster youth have the right to choose their own doctor, get the type of birth control they want, protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, get help with transportation to the clinic, have privacy in their personal information, and have options if they become pregnant. Learn about your rights and what to do if they get violated.

Having a healthy sex life means taking care of your body, choosing if and when you want to have sex, feeling safe and comfortable with yourself and your partner and good communication. Learn about your birth control options, practicing safe sex, and how to communicate with your partner.

Your sexual orientation and gender are important parts of who you are. Learning more about gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation can help you understand yourself and the world around you. Learn more about sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ youth-friendly resources.

If you are pregnant, you can choose to keep your baby, place the baby for adoption or with an adult guardian, or have an abortion. Learn about your options and rights.

STIs are super common, and lots of people have questions about them. Here are the facts on how STIs are transmitted, how to prevent STIs, and why there’s no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed if you have one. Learn more about STIs and HIV.

Want to learn about resources, services, and information specifically for young people in foster care?

Teenparent.net: This website is for foster youth who are expecting or parenting that includes information on financial help, childcare, mental health, dating violence, and much more.

KnowBeforeYouGo: The mission of Know Before You Go is to empower youth to become their own advocates, armed with the knowledge and information they need to succeed in work, school and life.

MyLifeMyRights.org: This website is a guide to getting an education, getting a job, and getting on with life after foster care.

Teenhealthrights.org: A guide with information about your rights to sex, pregnancy, and parenting.

fosterreprohealth.org: Provides a list of sexual and reproductive health resources and services available to youngpeople in foster care.