Connecticut
New Connecticut bill aims to enshrine minors’ access to reproductive health
The bill would codify the right of minors to receive contraceptive and pregnancy-related care without parental permission.
Fareed Salmon
Staff Reporter
Rachel Mak,
A proposed bill in the Connecticut state legislature seeks to address disparities in access to contraceptive care for minors.
Currently, state law allows minors to receive emergency medical treatment, HIV testing, mental health services, abortions and STI testing without parental consent. Minors can often access these services at school-based health centers. It is technically assumed that minors can access contraceptive care without parental permission. However, House Bill 7213 would codify this provision into law.
“Young people should not have to face the risk of unwanted pregnancies, HIV or untreated STIs simply because they’re afraid to speak to their parents to access contraceptive care,” said Melanie Wilde-Lane, executive director of the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers. “If a teenager knows they may have an STI but fears telling their parents about their sexual activity, it can lead to a situation where the condition goes untreated — putting their health and even their life at risk.”
Various healthcare providers last month highlighted their support of the bill. Wilde-Lane believes that the government has been prioritizing intervention over prevention. The association views contraceptive care as an effective means to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions in the first place.
Planned Parenthood prioritizes this bill due to the changing federal landscape. Its leaders believe that Connecticut has an obligation to protect access to contraceptives in a time when the federal government is infringing on those rights.
“Although young people in Connecticut for decades have been able to obtain contraceptive care, one of the things that we are concerned about are the potential changes at the federal level,” Gretchen Raffa, chief policy and advocacy officer at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, said. “[These federal actions] could directly threaten access for minors to confidentiality or to consent to contraceptive care on their own.”
According to Wilde-Lane, at school-based health centers, access to contraceptive care is not that simple. When a student comes in to request products like condoms, they would be put on a schedule. Next, they would talk with the therapist on call to explore why the minor would want to ask for or need the product. They would ask questions such as “Have you talked to your parents?” and “Is there a partner involved?” Therapists would also try to explain to students about the various physical, mental and emotional side effects of intimate behavior.
Most students are not able to access contraceptive care on the first visit. Most are sent home with a little homework as they explore the questions and make sure they still want contraceptive care. If kids below the age of 13 request any form of contraceptive care, the Department of Child and Family Services is contacted.
If the proposed bill is passed, students would not only be able to access contraceptive care at a school-based health center, but also at other medical facilities across the state, such as clinics and hospitals, all without requiring parental consent or notification. Their privacy would be fully protected, including safeguards against disclosure through billing or medical records.
“Healthcare professionals who work with young people, especially children, often consider their full history during assessments,” Bonnie Roswig, senior staff attorney at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, said in the committee hearing on the bill. “These spaces allow for early detection of potential issues, ensuring that children who are at risk can be identified, reported and protected.”
According to Wilde-Lane, this bill is not meant to hinder relationships between parents and children.
The bill is intended to allow minors to receive contraceptive care without parental involvement, particularly in situations where the parents might harm the child if they knew about the treatment. Even though parents might desire to talk with their children about contraceptive care and sexual health, many parents aren’t or don’t know how to.
Wilde-Lane notes that having this kind of support system that can provide them with initial counseling can even encourage children to talk with their parents about sexual health earlier rather than later. Therapists can also help familiarize children with telling their parents about their situation.
Though minors can access contraceptive care at some medical facilities currently, there are several barriers.
Cost is a major issue, as many contraceptives are expensive without insurance or parental help. Additionally, fear of parental discovery and limited clinic access can discourage minors from seeking care, making it harder for them to obtain the contraception they need. This bill will allow minors to bypass the barriers and access the care if deemed necessary.
According to Roswig, this bill does not force doctors to provide care they’re uncomfortable with.
“If a doctor isn’t comfortable prescribing something, they’re not ethically obligated to do so. That ultimately falls under the professional and ethical responsibilities of physicians,” she said.
Wilde-Lane believes that it is very likely that the bill will become law, and it has already been passed in the House. She hopes that this bill is a step toward meaningful change, providing much-needed protections and support for communities.
Planned Parenthood is located at 345 Whitney Ave.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Connecticut Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play in Connecticut can enter the CT Lotto, Lucky for Life and Cash 5 games as well as play the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. There are also two drawings a day for the Play 3 with Wild Ball and Play 4 with Wild Ball games.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule. Here’s a look at Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
18-21-40-53-60, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
01-02-28-30-43, Lucky Ball: 07
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
12-13-16-20-32
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Day: 5-3-3, WB: 7
Night: 1-8-1, WB: 9
Check Play3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Day: 3-5-9-4, WB: 4
Night: 7-0-2-6, WB: 4
Check Play4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Connecticut Lottery prizes up to $599 can be easily claimed at any authorized CT Lottery Retailer without additional forms or documentation or by mail. For prizes between $600 and $5,000, winners have the option to claim by mail or in person at any CT Lottery High-Tier Claim Center or CT Lottery Headquarters. For prizes between $5,001 and $49,999, winnings must be claimed in person at the Connecticut Lottery headquarters or by mail. All prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at CT Lottery Headquarters. Winners are required to bring a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security card.
CT Lottery Claims Dept.
15 Sterling Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
For additional details, including locations of High-Tier Claim Centers, visit the Connecticut Lottery’s claim information page.
When are the Connecticut Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash 5: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Play3 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
- Play3 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Play4 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
- Play4 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Connecticut editor. You can send feedback using this form.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — The United States military carried out “large scale” strike inside Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday morning, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to President Donald Trump.
Leaders in Connecticut are responding to the military action.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) shared the following statement.
“If we’re starting another endless war, with no clear national security strategy or need, count me out. Maduro is a cruel criminal dictator, but President Trump has never sought approval from Congress for war as the Constitution requires – and our military deserves. We’ve seen several Administrations lead us into conflicts without objectives or timelines and with disastrous consequences. President Trump has also articulated no clear end game to prevent further chaos, violence, and bloodshed in Venezuela. The American people deserve—and Congress should demand—facts and clarity.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the strike the start of an “illegal war” between the U.S. and Venezuela.
“President Trump thinks he is above the law. He steals from taxpayers. He thumbs his nose at the law. And now, he is starting an illegal war with Venezuela that Americans didn’t ask for and has nothing to do with our security. How does going to war in South America help regular Americans who are struggling? How does this do anything about drugs entering the U.S. when Venezuela produces no fentanyl? What is the actual security threat to the United States? And what happens next in Venezuela? He cannot answer these questions – and that’s why there was no briefing to Congress to explain this action, and no briefing scheduled. And Maduro’s illegitimate election does not give the president the power to invade without congressional approval, nor does it create a national security justification. That contention is laughable. This is about satisfying Trump’s vanity, making good on the long standing neocon grudge against Maduro, enriching Trump’s oil industry backers, and distracting voters from Epstein and rising costs.”
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said the Trump administration acted without congressional approval.
“Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos. Secretary Rubio repeatedly denied to Congress that the Administration intended to force regime change in Venezuela. The Administration must immediately brief Congress on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision.”
State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding (R-Conn.) shared that he hopes Maduro is brought to justice, calling him an “integral culprit” in the “narcotic ring” in the United States.
“President Maduro has been an integral culprit in fostering the narcotic ring in our country which has killed far too many Americans. I hope he is brought to justice and we can continue to address the substance abuse crisis that our state and country continues to face.
The Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party Ben Proto shared the following statement.
“President Trump promised to stop the flow of drugs into the US that have been killing millions of Americans. Nicolas Maduro, who declared himself President, while getting about 30% of the vote in the last so called free election in Venezuela, was given multiple warnings to stop the flow of drugs from his country into America, was offered help by the Trump administration in stopping the flow, but he continued to, not only allow the flow of drugs, but condone it and profit from it. Presidents have long used their constitutional authority to intervene in other countries when those countries posed a danger to America and Americans. President Trump did just that. Unfortunately Democrats, particularly Jim Himes, Chris Murphy and Dick Blumenthal are more interested in playing politics than in protecting Americans. Nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died from drug overdoses in 2024 and we have seen an increase in overdoses in 2025. If only Democrats cared as much about Americans as they do about a drug lord running another country who profits from the death of Americans.“
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) demanded that Congress must be briefed before further action.
“As information about U.S military strikes in Venezuela unfold, I have more questions than answers. Nicolas Maduro is a brutal dictator who caused so much harm to his people. However, as Americans we must seriously weigh the consequences of attacking a sovereign nation and committing to “run Venezuela.” Congress must be briefed immediately, before this situation continues to escalate. I will comment further as credible information becomes available to Members of Congress.“
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) shared the following statement, claiming that there could be “severe repercussions for American interests.”
“President Trump’s unilateral decision to attempt a regime change operation in Venezuela by using military force to capture Nicolas Maduro and declaring, ‘we will run the country’, threatens global order and is a fundamental violation of the Constitution, which gives Congress the responsibility of authorizing major military actions that could have severe repercussions for American interests.
“America’s unprecedented global strength and prosperity was built on this principle of restraining military force through democratic bodies like Congress. President Trump has shredded this principle, and along with it has destroyed American credibility and emboldened our adversaries to act with similar aggression. This new foreign policy that President Trump and his advisors have used to justify this act of war, including invoking the 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine as a justification for America to do whatever it pleases in the Western Hemisphere, is the exact same reasoning that China would use to justify invading Taiwan, and which Russia has used to assault Ukraine.
“President Trump has also now threatened Cuba with similar language, and is preparing a giant corrupt giveaway to oil companies by claiming that the United States will acquire Venezuela’s oil. This is corruption of the highest order. Maduro was an authoritarian who stayed in power despite the will of the people, but that does not justify the United States in starting a war to benefit some of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
“President Trump did all of this without the consent of Congress, and without providing any details or day-after plans. The full consequences of this act of war will not be known for some time, and they may require putting American boots on the ground in Venezuela, as the President has said he was prepared to do. The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless conflict distracting from the rising cost of living and the affordability crisis. Whatever happens next, the responsibility will be squarely with President Trump and his contempt for the Constitution and for Congress.”
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) echoed the statements of his fellow Democrats.
“This is yet another authoritarian power grab by Donald Trump. As he indicated in his address, it’s clear it’s about the oil!!! And securing that oil!!! And securing it with the use of our brave men and women in the United States military!!! The Constitution entrusts Congress, not the President, with the power to declare war for a reason. It’s Congress’s responsibility to decide whether the nation goes to war or not! That’s why I’m joining with others in calling on the President to immediately brief Congress—and for Congress to assert its authority under the Constitution and the War Powers Act—to let this President know he does not have the authority to unilaterally commit our country to yet another endless war.“
This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.
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