I think I might be pregnant. What happens if I decide to get an abortion?It's your constitutional right to have an abortion. In Pennsylvania, however, if you are under 18 you must get permission for an abortion from either one of your parents or a judge. Are there exceptions?Yes. You may not need to get permission for an abortion when: - It's a medical emergency
- Your parents aren't available (in which case someone who stands in their place can give permission); or
- You are legally emancipated.
My mom is being really supportive of my decision to get an abortion, so what do we do now?You need the "informed consent" of one of your parents to get an abortion. That means you and your mom have to listen to a lecture about abortion that the state requires. Then you must wait at least 24 hours before you both sign the consent form for the abortion. I can't tell my parents that I'm pregnant, and there's no way they would let me get an abortion if they found out. Do I have to get their permission?No. If you can't tell your parents—or if they refuse to consent to an abortion—then you can go through a "judicial bypass." That's a private hearing before a judge who can okay the abortion for you without getting your parents' consent. The judge cannot tell your parents, your boyfriend, or anyone else about your pregnancy. For more information about the judicial bypass or your abortion rights, contact your local family planning clinic. Does my boyfriend have to be told that I'm having an abortion?No. You do not have to tell him about the abortion or get his permission. Can my parents make me get an abortion if I don't want one?No. You cannot be forced to have an abortion by anyone, except possibly in a medical emergency when your life is in danger.
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