My Request:
I believe there should be a law that requires a baseline blood test for female minors prior to starting birth control. Today, a blood test is universally required prior to starting Accutane and I believe the same health standard should be held for birth control -- especially when being prescribed for dermatological reasons. 

Why does this health matter mean so much to me? 
Before November 20, 2024, I was a healthy and active 16 year old teenage girl with zero medical history of any conditions or physical trauma.  Like most teens, I have struggled with acne.  Having tried various treatments throughout the years, I was prescribed spironolactone and the dermatologist also required me to also be on birth control for ethical reasons as spironolactone causes severe birth defects if one were to get pregnant.  My mom was hesitant to agree to such extreme measures -- but ultimately agreed.  One month into being on spironolactone and birth control, my skin was finally clearing up.  

That same month, during one of my soccer games, I was having a hard time breathing.  I asked to be pulled out... something I've never done. After 2 days of severe pain breathing, I started coughing up blood.  I went immediately to the ER, where it was discovered I had multiple pulmonary embolisms in both lungs and an originating clot in my neck.  I spent 5 days in the pediatric ICU.  It was scary, traumatic, and months before a confirmed diagnosis came back. Factor V Leiden -- a genetic blood clotting disorder I was born with, that I was unaware of til this event.  I should  never been on medication that has clotting side effects - like an estrogen based birth control.  Had I taken a simple blood test (like required for Accutane) this whole situation could have been avoided.  

Stats that could have been avoided if I had taken a blood test:

- 5 days in ICU
- 21 blood draws to date
- 60 blood thinner injections in my stomach (administered by my mom 2x a day)
- 60 additional days of being on oral blood thinner medication Xarralto (same as both grandpas)
- 120+ days of missing club and high school sports
- $186,000 in medical bills (thankful for healthcare coverage)

I understand my condition is rare -- reportedly impacting approximately 5% of the population known in the US today. This doesn't take into account people that have lived their whole lives with this condition unknowingly -- that includes either my mom or dad who will be tested as well.  However, birth control comes with great risks. There are MANY undiagnosed genetic conditions in addition to Factor V Leiden where oral birth control should not be administered: Antithrombin lll deficiency, Protein C deficiency, Protein S deficiency, Prothrombin Gene Mutation most commonly known as Factor ll, and Antiphospholipid syndrome just to name a few that can only be identified through blood work.

I ask that you sign this petition to (at minimum) protect teen girls, especially ones who are solely seeking dermatological solutions. They should be required to take blood tests before being prescribed an estrogen based birth control.  Even if this initiative isn't passed as a law, healthcare providers should be required to share the risks that come with birth control and advise women to consider bloodwork to rule out any dangers. It could save lives, and prevent unnecessary personal trauma and cost to our healthcare system. I don't want what happened to me to happen to another person. It can be prevented.  

Please note - Do not donate below ---  I am just looking for signatures and help spreading awareness - Anything donated goes directly to change.org -- not me. Thank you!! Ella