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#Parental Consent and Notification Laws

Abortion

If you are under 18, your state may require one or both of your parents to give permission for your abortion or be told of your decision prior to the abortion. In most states with these requirements:

You can ask a judge to excuse you from getting permission or telling your parent or guardian. (This is called a "judicial bypass.")
• A legal guardian can give permission or be notified in place of a parent. If you meet legal rules showing that you are independent of the care and control of your parents or a guardian, you do not need to get their permission or notify them.

In some states, you can be excused from involving a parent without going to a judge if you are the victim of abuse or neglect and you or your doctor report this to the appropriate authorities. If you are facing a medical emergency and require an immediate abortion, most states will not impose their parental involvement requirements.

To find out more about the laws in your state and the judicial bypass option, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center .

Your state requires that one of your parents give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.

Your state requires that one of your parents be told of your decision 48 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement. This law only applies to girls younger than 17.