Laws that require teens to tell their parents before they get an abortion may be on the rise. While most teens voluntarily involve their parents in their abortion decision, some do not feel comfortable talking to a parent about their decision to have an abortion. Many come from families where such an announcement would only make a bad situation worse.

One of the very first teens who was forced to notify a parent under Colorado's new parental notice law was one such case. This young woman was kicked out of her home when her mother learned of the pregnancy. Her mother took the money the teen had saved for the abortion and threatened to disown her if she went through with the procedure. When the teen called the clinic to reschedule her appointment, she was living in a friend's car. Far from strengthening her family and helping her make an informed decision, the law ruined her relationship with her mother and left her homeless with an unplanned pregnancy. You can uncover more facts about parental consent laws here.

1. Contact your representative now! Find out how to voice your opinion on laws that affect your rights.

2. Reel Advocacy: Be the person who throws the best parties! Planned Parenthood youth activists suggest that you invite your friends over for a pro-choice film viewing, discussion and goodies. You could also incorporate action steps into the party by creating a petition or writing individual letters to lawmakers about your opinions. Planned Parenthood's suggested movies include: Vera Drake, If These Walls Could Talk, The Cider House Rules, Love and Basketball, and Saved.

3. Is your state the next South Dakota? You can find out what your state legislators are doing to restrict or protect the right to choose.