What is the age limit for a girl starting birth control?

Pretty young to be sexually active? but you can never be too careful! once she starts her period I guess? Like I said young!

First of all, does she seem genuinely interested in sex, or does she just say she wants to 'have sex' with boys cause that's something she's heard at school or wherever? The only kind of 'hormone-free' birth control option are the condom and spermicide. ALL other forms of birth control, from the shot to the IUD to the patch, have some level of hormones in them. And, I'm not 100% sure, but I think the only real 'low-dose' option is the pill. Also, although I'm not a doctor, I'm fairly sure that she'll HAVE to have had her period for at least a little while before any doctor will put her on hormonal birth control. I'm not sure how old exactly she'll have to be, you should call up your local doctor or planned parenthood first. Oh, and sit down and have a talk with her if her mom doesn't mind. First off, you need to find out if she even knows what sex IS, and isn't just repeating what she's heard. If she doesn't know what it is, hearing the details will likely put her off the idea for a few years, although it's never too young to start talking about the need to be responsible - and if she does, you need to have a long conversation about both the dangers of sexual activity, the added problems that come from having it at a young age, and the fact that it's VERY illegal and any guy who has it with her could end up in jail for a very long time.

I should think it would depend on the child and her behavior. Is she friendly w/boys? Then we do know the next thing to happen don't we, and better to be safe than sorry. Had a girlfriend who had 4 sons, and after overhearing them talk, she said if she ever had a dghtr she would put birth control pills in her hot choc when she was 4.

She is too young. In general pills are suppressing hormones and making cycles anovulatory. Her personal hormones and personal hormonal rhythm is not yet developed fully. Better use birth control pills as late as possible. If you are in close relations with her - just start pills if she would plan first sex. For emergency situations you can use emergency contraception. Read more below

Hopefully she is not sexually active at 12.. if you want to get her on BC for other reasons talk to a Dr. birth control can reek havoc on a growing child

Depending on state, your daughter may need parental permission (and since you're asking, I'm presuming she has it), but other than that there's not legal age limit. See:

I think it may vary by state(or place). My step mom put me on it when i was 13 because I was having irregular periods... Call a place like planned parenthood and find out!

do you have THE talks?

12 is young. just keep the line of communication open... she will tell you if she needs them, or at that point you could ask... and KEEP asking!!!

no age limit, if child is at risk of pregnancy, good luck

As long as she has her period and her doctor says its ok. She has to have her period though! So there is really no age, as long as she has her period :)