Because abortion is controversial, many states have laws that require minors – girls under 18 -- to get a parent’s permission before having an abortion. This is called parental consent.  

If a minor wants an abortion and doesn't want to involve her parents, and she lives in a state that requires parental consent, there is another option. She can go before a judge and the judge will then decide whether or not it is in the young woman's best interests to obtain an abortion without her parents knowing because of physical or emotional abuse or incest.  This is called judicial bypass.

Other states mandate that a parent be notified of their daughter’s decision to have an abortion before she gets one. This is called parental notification.  There are also ways to avoid parental notification if a girl does not want to involve her parents. The hotline run by NAF can be very helpful for learning your rights: 1-800-772-9100.

Some require teens to wait a certain period of time between making the decision to have an abortion and actually getting it. This is called a waiting period.

To find out the laws in your state, go to our section called Sex in the States or  www.naral.org