Do Minors Need Parental Permission for an Abortion?
Some states require parental or older family member permission for an abortion, while others only mandate parental notification. Some states have no laws regarding informing parents or obtaining their permission.
However, if your state has parental involvement laws, you might be able to obtain a judge’s permission for an abortion without notifying your parents through a “judicial bypass.”
Remember, you are not alone. If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center as soon as possible. They can help explain your state’s laws, inform you of your options, and provide guidance on talking with your parents.
Ensure you visit a legitimate health center, not a crisis pregnancy center. These anti-abortion clinics do not offer comprehensive health care, provide misleading information about pregnancy options, and often do not adhere to privacy laws. Planned Parenthood can help you locate a trustworthy healthcare provider.
Abortion is generally safe, but risks increase the longer you wait. Judicial bypasses can be time-consuming, and some states have time limits on abortion. If you live in a state where abortion is illegal, you may need to travel to another state for the procedure, which takes time to organize. LegalMatch can help you find a lawyer who can explain your options and connect you with resources to help you schedule an appointment and cover travel or other expenses.
State-by-State Laws for Abortion
Alabama
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Alaska
No requirement for parental involvement.
Arizona
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Arkansas
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
California
No requirement for parental involvement.
Colorado
Your state requires informing one parent 48 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption. If you live with a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, they can be informed instead of your parents.
Connecticut
No requirement for parental involvement.
Delaware
If you are under 16, your state requires informing a parent, grandparent, or mental health professional 24 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
No requirement for parental involvement.
Florida
Your state requires one parent to be informed and give permission 48 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Georgia
Your state requires informing one parent 24 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Hawaii
No requirement for parental involvement.
Idaho
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Illinois
No requirement for parental involvement.
Indiana
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption, but they might notify your parent unless it’s harmful to you.
Iowa
Your state requires informing one parent or a grandparent 48 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Kansas
Your state requires permission from both parents for your abortion. Only the custodial parent’s permission is needed if the parents are separated or divorced. A judge may grant an exemption.
Kentucky
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Louisiana
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Maine
No requirement for parental involvement.
Maryland
Your state requires informing one parent before your abortion unless you don’t live with either parent, and a reasonable effort to inform fails. A doctor may grant an exemption.
Massachusetts
If you are under 16, your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption. Planned Parenthood in Massachusetts has specially trained staff to help you obtain a judicial bypass.
Michigan
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Minnesota
No requirement for parental involvement.
Mississippi
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Missouri
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Montana
If you are under 16, your state requires informing one parent 48 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Nebraska
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Nevada
No requirement for parental involvement.
New Hampshire
Your state requires informing one parent 48 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
New Jersey
No requirement for parental involvement.
New Mexico
No requirement for parental involvement.
New York
No requirement for parental involvement.
North Carolina
Your state requires permission from one parent or a grandparent you’ve lived with for at least six months before the abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
North Dakota
Your state requires permission from both parents for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Ohio
Your state requires permission from a parent or legal guardian for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Oklahoma
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Oregon
No requirement for parental involvement.
Pennsylvania
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
Rhode Island
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
South Carolina
If you are under 17, your state requires permission from one parent or a grandparent for your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption.
South Dakota
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Tennessee
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Texas
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Utah
Your state requires one parent’s permission for your abortion, and separately that one parent is notified 24 hours before the abortion. A judge can excuse you from the consent requirement.
Vermont
No requirement for parental involvement.
Virginia
Your state requires permission from one parent, grandparent, or adult sibling you live with for your abortion, and separately that one of them is informed 24 hours before the abortion. A judge can excuse you from both requirements.
Washington
No requirement for parental involvement.
West Virginia
Abortion is not allowed in this state, except in rare cases. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Wisconsin
Abortion is banned in this state. However, you can seek an abortion in other states.
Wyoming
Your state requires one parent to be informed and give permission 48 hours before your abortion. A judge may grant an exemption from these requirements.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
In most cases, you do not need a lawyer to have an abortion. However, if you are a minor seeking a judicial bypass or filing for emancipation, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney. If you are unsure if you need legal help, you can reach out to a family lawyer in your area for guidance.
