State laws vary on parental involvement for minors under 18
seeking abortion services. If you are under 18, the law in the state where you are
seeking an abortion, not the state you live in, will apply. If parental consent or
notification is required, the consent or notification of any other person will not be accepted
as a substitute. You are not required, in any circumstance, to get your spouse
or partner's consent.
In Maryland:
The law states that, if you are less than 18 years old, one parent
(or legal guardian) must be notified prior to the procedure of your decision to have
an abortion. However, you may qualify for an exception if, in the professional judgment
of the physician: you are mature and capable to give informed consent for yourself; or,
notice would not be in your best interests; or, notice to the parent might lead to physical
or emotional abuse. Minors visiting any of our Maryland offices will be evaluated by the
physician for the exception before their procedure, if they choose not to notify their parent.
In New Jersey:
Parental involvement is not required.
In Pennsylvania:
If you are less than 18 years old, the consent of one of your parents
(or legal guardian) is required. This parent must accompany you to your appointment to
sign consent forms. If you feel that you cannot tell your parent, or that they will not
consent, you can apply for a judicial bypass to allow you to consent for yourself. To do
this, contact your local county court, or the court in the county our office is located in,
and ask about obtaining judicial bypass for an abortion. You will be asked to fill out
some forms, pay a small fee, and speak with a judge. This process does not take longer
than one week. You should receive your state-mandated counseling before you meet with
the judge. If you need help with this process, please call the office you are interested
in visiting and we will assist you.
In Virginia:
If you are less than 18 years old, the consent of one of your parents
(or legal guardian) is required. This parent must accompany you to your appointment to
sign consent forms. If you feel that you cannot tell your parent, or that they will not
consent, you can apply for a judicial bypass to allow you to consent for yourself. To do
this, contact your local county court, or the Virginia Beach county court, and ask about
obtaining judicial bypass for an abortion. You will be asked to fill out some forms, pay
a small fee, and speak with a judge. This process does not take longer than one week. You
should receive your state-mandated counseling before you meet with the judge. If you need
help with this process, please call the office and we will assist you.
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