Beatriz was fifteen years old when I met her. She explained that she had heard about the contraceptive implant from her girls’ support group, and was here to have one placed, even though she was not sexually active at the time—“just in case.”

Her own mother had died when Beatriz was in grade school, of causes related to substance abuse, and Beatriz was being raised by her father. She had plans—she wanted to go to college and be a marine biologist. She was in our clinic alone—but because in California minors of any age can consent to their own contraception, and access confidential insurance coverage to cover it (FamilyPACT) if they are not comfortable using their parents’ insurance, I was able to provide confidential counseling for her, ensure that this was a good choice and method for her, and place her contraceptive implant all on the same day.

Additionally, we discussed staying safe from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), I ordered STI testing for her (all negative!), and provided her condoms.

Fast forward three years, to just a few weeks ago. Beatriz is back, for removal and replacement of her implant. She has been very happy with the method and wants to “re-up” for another three years. She’s graduated from high school (on time!), has a part-time job, and is attending community college, with plans to transfer to a four-year university after completing her associate’s degree. She and her current partner are happy in their relationship, confident that they will not have any life-changing pregnancy-related surprises, and Beatriz is moving forward with her life and plans, despite much adversity. She is in good health and has a palpably positive sense of agency and self-efficacy.

As an adolescent medicine physician, I feel proud to have been able to take a part in her life and to have provided Beatriz with developmentally appropriate and comprehensive sexual health care that fit, lockstep, with the lifecourse she has set out for herself. Go Beatriz!