Question:

I am a teenager and I know it is not the smartest thing to do, but I don’t want to get my mother involved in any of this. Can I do this without a parent or guardian?

 Answer:

Dear Christina,

Many teenagers go through the experience of having an abortion without their parents’ knowledge or consent.  Abortion laws vary from state to state, so you should first find out if your state requires parental consent.  You can get around these laws that require parental consent by going through a legal process called “judicial bypass”.  Again, judicial bypass procedures vary from state to state, so you may want to use the Internet to search for judicial bypass terms specific to your state.  New York has some of the most liberal abortion laws and has no age minimum or parental consent restrictions. 

Reasons that some young women choose to involve their parents may be because they need their parents for support, either emotional support, or financial support.  If you are not able to pay for an abortion without help from your mother, you should research not-for-profit organizations that provide financial support for women to obtain abortion services.  These organizations are usually local and have limited resources.  If you do not think that your mother can offer you the kind of emotional support that you need, you may wish to involve a friend or a trusted adult.  It is a good idea to have at least one person to share your abortion experience with.  Try to choose a supportive person who is non-judgmental and who you feel comfortable talking to.  You may also contact your local abortion provider to get advice on your state’s laws and policies and ways to get around them, if need be. 

I hope this is helpful,

Dr. Joan

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