I think that if the STD is untreatable, the parents should be contacted.

I for one would not want my parents to know. I can get help without them and I wouldnt feel guilty about keeping it secret either. Some people just dont have that kind of open relationship with their parents.

i think you should definately tell your parents, because they can help you feel better, and no the doctor shouldnt tell them, you should, its your bussiness. so its very important to tell your parents, because if you don't then you will live with the guilt of keeping a secret, and once its out in the open, you feel really good because you know that they know, and you can be helped! because not asking for help,isnt cool.

Hey, until you're 18 you still are a kid and have to talk to your parents about what you're doing. The parents should know that their kid is sexually active and has an STD. Duh. If you're a grown-up then, hey, we really don't care what you do, but until then, let them know, ok?

Lots of love,
Lynne

Sure her parents should know what's going on with her, but it's not the doctor's job to tell them. It should be a person's decision whether or not they choose to share their medical information with their parents. Imagine how many STDs would not be treated if people had to worry about who the doctor would tell about it. Doctor-patient confidentiality is extremely important to the medical world and to everyone. Without doctor-patient confidentiality many people would not even be tested for STDs for fear of the stigma that would come when people found out. Forcing doctors to notifiy others, even parents, when a patient has an STD would only discourage others from being tested, treated, etc., therefore probably making the STD problem even worse.

By signing those paper's she's putting her life in her own hands. It was probably waiving her parent's right to do anything if something happened to her because of her treatment, and also released the hospital/clinic of all liability. It would probably be better for her parents to know, after all she is their daughter. It is also their job to take care of her mentally and physically, by not telling them she is only hurting herself. There is a lady at my church who had an abortion in college and never told her parents and it's eaten at her ever since! I still don't know if she told them, but I thought I would share my thoughts.

peace,
Silverstreak

If the child is under the age of 18, the parents definitely should have the right to know what is going on with their child. It makes me sooooooooo mad that doctors can keep important information like that from parents. That should not be legal.