Safe Abortion Options for Minors?
Question
I am a pregnant female under the age of 18. How can I get a safe abortion without my parents’ consent?
Answer
Currently, all 50 states allow women under the age of 18 to get an abortion, but with varying restrictions. States have their own individual laws for parental consent and notification that may or may not require parental or adult consent.
The majority of states require some form of parental consent or notification to be excused with a judge’s decision. The process allows the court to assume a parental role when the parent or guardian cannot or will not be present to act on a minor's behalf. This is known as “judicial bypass.” Click here to view Planned Parenthood’s list of each state's judicial bypass policy, consent and notification laws.
The National Women’s Health Network strongly supports equal access to safe abortion care and a woman’s right to make their own reproductive health choices.
Learn more about NWHN’s stance on sexual and reproductive health and autonomy.
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Evita Almassi, MSW, served as the Communications and Digital Marketing Manager for the NWHN. Her 10+ years in nonprofit communications – especially with social media advocacy campaigns – enabled the NWHN to reach and empower more women in their health education and advocacy journeys.
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