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Adolescent confidentiality — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeAdolescent confidentialityUSMLE Step 3

A 16-year-old requests contraception and asks that her parents not be told. She is safe, the relationship is consensual, and state law permits confidential contraceptive care for minors. What is the best action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Provide confidential contraceptive counseling and explain limits and safety exceptions

When permitted by law, adolescents should receive confidential reproductive care with private time and an explanation of confidentiality limits. The alternatives improperly transfer decisions or erect avoidable barriers.

Reference: ACOG, Confidentiality in Adolescent Health Care: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/confidentiality-in-adolescent-health-care