rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/tell-florida-legislators-oppose-hb-173-and-protect-young-people?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-tell-florida-legislators-oppose-hb-173-and-protect-young-people' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Progress Florida https://actionnetwork.org/groups/progress-florida https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/share_options/facebook_images/000/623/730/original/43.jpg What if a teenager called a suicide prevention hotline just to be hung up on? If House Bill 173 passes, that’s just one of many dangerous and immediate consequences that Florida youth will face. A minor will be unable to be prescribed birth control, receive treatment for an STI, or access crisis mental health services if a parent does not consent. This is extremely dangerous: suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, and untreated STIs can lead to cancer, reduced motor functions, infertility, and even death. A similar bill passed in Idaho and within its first year as law, 1,500 young people called the state’s suicide hotline, and most hung up after being told they had to get a parent on the line to receive help. Most parents rightfully want to be involved in their teens’ lives but when that can’t happen, safety must come first. For young people who are unable to comfortably or safely involve a parent in these personal decisions, they deserve more support, not to be left behind. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-florida-legislators-oppose-hb-173-and-protect-young-people