Anonymous programs are prohibited by which amendment?

The Ninth Amendment addresses the rights of individuals that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. It emphasizes that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny or disparage others retained by the people. In the context of anonymous programs, particularly in regards to anonymity in certain practices such as substance abuse recovery programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous), the concern often arises about rights to privacy and the implications of being publicly identified. The Ninth Amendment is interpreted to suggest that people have rights to privacy and the pursuit of their interests without coercive oversight, which includes the right to seek help anonymously.

The emphasis is on the balance between individual rights and the state's interest in regulation. The choice indicating that anonymous programs may be prohibited aligns with the ideas around individual autonomy and the right to engage in activities without facing public scrutiny or stigma. Thus, the connection to the Ninth Amendment points to its essential role in protecting unenumerated rights, which can encompass the need for anonymity in sensitive situations.