I’m inquiring about birth control, I’m 16. I’m in a long distance relationship and have been for over a year, we’re both very happy together. We visit each other every few months, and as you could guess we do have sex when the time comes and always use protection. We’re both paranoid because we’re so far away from each other. So for next time we will be spending a few weeks together and I wanted to inquire about having extra protection. The issue is my mom doesn’t feel great about me taking it and I get nervous to talk to her. I’ve tried before but she always tells me about why I shouldn’t take it. Do I need parent permission to take birth control and if not would it cost me a lot? And what would be the best option for me? Thank you.

Home / Answered Questions / I’m inquiring about birth control, I’m 16. I’m in a long distance relationship and have been for over a year, we’re both very happy together. We visit each other every few months, and as you could guess we do have sex when the time comes and always use protection. We’re both paranoid because we’re so far away from each other. So for next time we will be spending a few weeks together and I wanted to inquire about having extra protection. The issue is my mom doesn’t feel great about me taking it and I get nervous to talk to her. I’ve tried before but she always tells me about why I shouldn’t take it. Do I need parent permission to take birth control and if not would it cost me a lot? And what would be the best option for me? Thank you.

I’m inquiring about birth control, I’m 16. I’m in a long distance relationship and have been for over a year, we’re both very happy together. We visit each other every few months, and as you could guess we do have sex when the time comes and always use protection. We’re both paranoid because we’re so far away from each other. So for next time we will be spending a few weeks together and I wanted to inquire about having extra protection. The issue is my mom doesn’t feel great about me taking it and I get nervous to talk to her. I’ve tried before but she always tells me about why I shouldn’t take it. Do I need parent permission to take birth control and if not would it cost me a lot? And what would be the best option for me? Thank you.

Hi there, thank you for your question

It’s great that you’re thinking about birth control as an added layer of protection for when you are together with your boyfriend. Even if you do decide to move ahead with some form of hormonal birth control, I encourage you to consider continuing to use condoms as an extra measure against sexually transmitted infections.

You do not need permission from your parents to access birth control in British Columbia. There are several different methods of birth control out there. Have a look at Options for Sexual Health as they have great fact pages on each different type.

One of the most accessible and most common types is the birth control pill. Typically it is easily accessible, safe, discreet, effective and affordable.

If you live in the Lower Mainland, you can access free or low-cost birth control options up to the age of 19. The nurses and doctors at the Youth Clinics will offer pre-counselling to go over all the options and help you decide which will be best for you. Here are the links to the Vancouver Youth Clinics, to the Fraser Youth Clinics and to the Vancouver Island Youth Clinics.

If there is no Youth Clinic in your area, then Options for Sexual Health will be your best bet for accessing low-cost birth control.

Let us know if this does not answer your question or if you have any more questions or concerns.
Health Nurse

This answer was posted on January 27, 2020.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

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