Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Chicago
Broadway Youth Center helps young people in Chicago seeking confidential, affirming care, and supports parents/guardians or allies who want to understand available resources. Access to these services is vital for youth health, safety, and well-being.
Sexual and reproductive health services include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV prevention and care, birth control, pregnancy testing, and related education and counseling.
Howard Brown and Broadway Youth Center understands that accessing health services can feel overwhelming, especially for young people navigating relationships, identity, school, family expectations, or discrimination. At Broadway Youth Center, sexual and reproductive health services are designed to be easy to access, respectful, and supportive of each person’s needs, regardless of insurance status, ability to pay, or immigration status.
Why Sexual Health Care and Prevention Matter for Young People:
| Topic | Statistic | Source |
| Condom Use | About 52% of currently sexually active high school students used a condom the last time they had sex. | CDC – Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) |
| Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | Young people ages 15–24 account for about half of all new STIs each year in the U.S. | CDC |
| HIV Testing | Only about 6–7% of high school students report ever being tested for HIV. | CDC |
| STD Testing (non-HIV) | About 6% of high school students were tested for STDs other than HIV in the past year. | CDC – YRBS |
| HPV Infection Risk | About 13 million people in the U.S., including young people, become infected with HPV each year. | CDC |
To address these important health needs, Broadway Youth Center offers a comprehensive range of services for youth in Chicago.
It’s Confidential, Drop Ins are Welcome, and Our Location Is Easy to Find
No appointment is necessary. Our Broadway Youth Center (BYC) offers drop-in appointments and is located just steps from the Sheridan Red Line at 1023 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois. For directions to our location, information about clinic hours, or to schedule an appointment directly online, learn more here.
If you have any questions about how to access low-cost or no-cost sexual and reproductive health services for ages 12-24 through Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center, please call us at 773.388.1600.
Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Young People
Broadway Youth Center provides a full range of sexual health services and reproductive health services focused on prevention, education, testing, and treatment. Available services include:
STI Services
- STI screening, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
HIV Services
- HIV testing, prevention, and care for patients who test positive or tested negative and want to reduce future risk
- HIV prevention, including PrEP for HIV Prevention and PEP for emergency prevention after possible exposure
- Ongoing care and medication support for youth who are HIV positive
Pregnancy and Family Planning
- Pregnancy testing and family planning services
- Birth control counseling and access to contraception, including condoms
Referrals and Coordination
- Referrals and coordination for reproductive health, mental health, and other health services
Services are confidential and grounded in public-health best practices informed by the Chicago Department of Public Health, Illinois law, and youth-centered care standards.
Confidential Care and Youth Rights in Illinois
Howard Brown Health prioritizes confidential healthcare access for youth. Under Illinois law, young people age 12 and older can consent to many sexual and reproductive health care services without a parent or guardian present.
What’s available at Broadway Youth Center:
- HIV testing, STI testing, pregnancy testing, and birth control are available confidentially
- Youth can receive care without parental/guardian consent in most sexual health situations
- Staff explain confidentiality, cost, insurance benefits, and what information may appear on paperwork
- Youth may share their chosen name, pronouns, and personal information in a safe, respectful environment
Our team assists patients in understanding their rights, scheduling an appointment, or accessing walk-in services when available.
LGBTQ-Affirming Sexual Health Care
Broadway Youth Center is nationally recognized for LGBTQ+-affirming sexual health care. Howard Brown Health was founded to serve LGBTQ+ communities, and that expertise informs every aspect of care at BYC.
Broadway Youth Center providers and staff are trained to support:
- LGBTQ+ youth and young adults
- Youth experiencing stigma, discrimination, or rejection
- Transgender and nonbinary young people seeking respectful medical care
- Young people navigating identity, relationships, and sexual decision-making
BYC is a safe site where young people can ask questions, receive accurate information, and access care without fear or judgment.
HIV Testing, Prevention, and Care
HIV prevention and treatment are core services at Broadway Youth Center.
BYC provides the following HIV services:
- Rapid HIV testing with quick results
- PrEP for HIV prevention
- PEP for emergency prevention after possible exposure
- Ongoing care for patients who are HIV positive, including medication management and viral monitoring
Our providers educate patients about viral load and undetectable viral load, including the proven public-health principal U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). When a person maintains an undetectable viral load, HIV cannot be sexually transmitted to partners.
Patient navigators assist with access, medication coverage, and follow-up care to ensure continuity of treatment.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Screening, Treatment, and Prevention
Sexually transmitted infections are common among adolescents and young adults, and regular testing is an important part of prevention.
STI services at Broadway Youth Center:
- STI screening may include urine samples, blood tests, vaginal swabs, throat swabs, and/or rectal swabs depending on symptoms and risk
- Common infections tested include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV
- If a young person tests positive, providers will provide treatment and counseling
- Education is offered on symptoms, prevention, condom use, and partner notification
Testing is confidential, quick, and judgment-free. Treatment is often available promptly.
Birth Control, Pregnancy Testing, and Family Planning
Howard Brown Health supports youth in making informed decisions about sex, family planning, and pregnancy.
Broadway Youth Center offers the following birth control, pregnancy testing and family planning services:
- Pregnancy testing and options counseling
- Birth control education and access to contraception
- Emergency contraception
- Referrals for prenatal care or abortion services when requested
Providers respect personal choices and assist patients in finding options that align with their health goals and life circumstances.
Access, Cost, and Visiting Broadway Youth Center
Howard Brown Health works to remove barriers to care.
- Many services are free or low-cost
- Insurance is not required for all services
- Staff assist with benefit enrollment and eligibility
- Walk-in services may be available
- BYC is accessible by public transit just steps from the Sheridan Red Line
Where is Broadway Youth Center Located
Our Broadway Youth Center (BYC) location is steps from the Sheridan Red Line at 1023 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois. For directions to our location, information about clinic hours, or to schedule an appointment directly online, learn more here.
You don’t need to know everything before your visit. Our team can assist you every step of the way. Drop-ins are welcome, but if you have questions about sexual and reproductive health services for ages 12-24 through Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center, please call us at 773.388.1600.
Explore Additional BYC Youth Services
- Young Adult Primary Care – BYC provides primary care tailored to the unique needs of young people. Learn more here.
- Youth Mental Health Counseling – Sexual health is closely connected to mental health, relationships, and emotional safety. Broadway Youth Center integrates behavioral health support into youth care. BYC provides mental health counseling tailored to the unique needs of youth and young adults. Our team offers support for issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress, helping you build resilience and emotional well-being. Learn more here.
- Youth Housing and Resource Connections – Broadway Youth Center goes beyond clinic-based care by connecting youth to community resources that address real-life needs. If you are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, BYC can connect you with resources and support to help you find safe, stable living arrangements and access other essential services. Learn more here.
FAQs – Youth Sexual & Reproductive Health at Broadway Youth Center
What age does Broadway Youth Center serve?
Broadway Youth Center serves young people ages 12–24, including teens, adolescents, and young adults.
Are services confidential for minors?
Yes. Under Illinois law, many sexual and reproductive health services—including STI testing, HIV testing, pregnancy testing, and birth control—are confidential for youth age 12 and older.
What happens if I test positive for an STI or HIV?
If a patient tests positive, providers will provide treatment, education, and follow-up care. For HIV-positive patients, ongoing care focuses on medication, viral load monitoring, and support.
Does Broadway Youth Center offer HIV prevention?
Yes. BYC provides HIV prevention services, including PrEP and PEP, as well as education on condom use and risk reduction.
Is Broadway Youth Center LGBTQ-friendly?
Yes. Broadway Youth Center provides LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare and is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive youth health services.
Do I need insurance or an appointment?
Insurance is not required for all services. Walk-ins are welcome and staff can help schedule an appointment or explain same-day options by calling 773.388.1600.
Can Broadway Youth Center help with resources beyond medical care?
Yes. BYC connects youth to resources, counseling, and additional services that support health, stability, and well-being.