Teen Abortion Laws

Choosing to terminate an unplanned pregnancy is a difficult decision. For teenage girls, that decision is complicated by the myriad state laws regulating abortion for minors.

History

• Massachusetts was the first state to address parental involvement in a minor's choice to terminate her pregnancy. Shortly after abortion was legalized in 1973, the state enacted parental consent laws for those younger than 18.

Parental Consent

• In 22 states, parental consent is required. This means that a minor must obtain written consent from a parent or guardian before she can terminate her pregnancy. In three states--Minnesota, Mississippi and North Dakota--both parents must consent.

Parental Notification

• In 13 states, parental notification is required. This means that a minor's parents or guardian must be informed of her choice 24 to 48 hours before the procedure, but consent is not needed.

Bypassing Parental Involvement

• Most states have put into place ways for a minor to bypass the parental involvement laws. The most common is a judiciary bypass where the teen can go before a judge to explain why she cannot inform or seek the consent of her parents or guardians. Some states also allow a doctor with just cause to bypass the laws or the substitution of another adult, such as a grandparent.

States Without Parental Involvement

• As of September 2009, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia do not require parental involvement.