Abortion Under 18 — Do I Have to Tell My Parents?
🙎♀️ Pregnant under 18: Should I get an abortion? — Quiz
- Abortion for minors is medically possible but banned in some regions.
- Depending on the region in which you reside, you may be required to tell your parents or even get their permission.
- This article lists the teen abortion laws country by country and state by state.
- Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy as a teen can come as a shock. You don't have to face it alone!
Young and Pregnant: What Are My Options? — Quiz
Still in school, college, training, new job, gap year… and pregnant? Wondering whether you might be too young? Answer three multiple-choice questions and receive an immediate professional evaluation. Know your options and receive support and tips on discerning a way forward!
Teen Abortion — How Old Do You Have to Be to Get an Abortion?
Medically, there is no minimum age for abortion. Teens have the option of getting an abortion.
Note: Some countries require parental consent or notification for minors. Other countries have no requirement for parental involvement. Sometimes, only one parent — or even a sibling — has to be notified.
Here are the abortion laws for minors in your country:
Abortion Laws for Teens — International Overview
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Region Regular Time Limit for Abortion Alabama Abortion is banned in Alabama.
Alaska
No parental involvement is required.
Arizona
Consent required from one parent.
Arkansas
Abortion is banned in Arkansas.
California
No parental involvement is required.
Colorado
Notification of one parent is required 48 hours before an abortion.
Connecticut
No parental involvement is required.
Delaware
Notification of one parent or mental health professional required 24 hours before the abortion, if under 16.
Florida
Notification of one parent is required 48 hours before an abortion.
Georgia
Notification of one parent is required 24 hours before an abortion.
Hawaii
No parental involvement is required.
Idaho
Abortion is banned in Idaho.
Illinois
Notification of one parent or grandparent is required 48 hours before an abortion.
Indiana
Consent required from one parent.
Iowa
Notification of one parent or grandparent is required 48 hours before an abortion.
Kansas
Consent required from both parents unless under single custody.
Kentucky
Abortion is banned in Kentucky.
Louisiana
Abortion is prohibited in Louisiana.
Maine
No parental involvement required.
Maryland
Notification of one parent is required unless the minor does not live with the parents and has made an adequate attempt to reach them.
Massachusetts
Consent is required from one parent.
Michigan
Consent is required from one parent.
Minnesota
Notification of both parents 48 hours before the abortion.
Mississippi
Abortion is banned in Mississippi.
Missouri
Abortion is banned in Missouri.
Montana
No parental involvement is required.
Nebraska
Consent is required from one parent.
Nevada
No parental involvement is required.
N. Hampsh.
Notification of one parent is required 48 hours before the abortion.
New Jersey
No parental involvement is required.
N. Mexico
No parental involvement is required.
New York
No parental involvement is required.
N. Carolina
Consent of one parent or grandparent is required with whom the minor has resided for at least six months.
N. Dakota
Consent is required from both parents.
Ohio
Consent required from one parent, step-parent, grandparent, or sibling 21 or older.
Oklahoma
Abortion is banned in Oklahoma.
Oregon
No parental involvement required.
Pennsylv.
Consent is required from one parent.
Rhode Is.
Consent is required from one parent.
S. Carolina
Consent is required from one parent or grandparent if under 17.
S. Dakota
Abortion is banned in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Abortion is banned in Tennessee.
Texas
Abortion is banned in Texas.
Utah
Consent required from one parent. Notification is required 24 hours in advance.
Vermont
No parental involvement is required.
Virginia
Consent is required from one parent, grandparent, or adult sibling with whom the minor lives. Notification is required 24 hours before the abortion.
Washington
No parental involvement is required.
W. Virginia
Abortion is banned in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Abortion is banned in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Consent is required from one parent. Notification required 24 hours before the abortion.
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Region Regular Limit Great Britain No parental involvement is required. Northern Ireland No parental involvement is required. Rep. of Ireland Parental consent is required for minors under 16. -
Region Regular Limit Australia Parental consent required under 16. Your doctor determines whether parental consent is necessary between 16 and 18. Canada Parental consent required for minors under 14. New Zealand No parental involvement is required. South Africa No parental involvement is required. -
Region Regular Limit Austria
See our Austrian page: Abtreibung unter 18
Cambodia
Parental consent required for minors under 18.
Germany
See our German page: Abtreibung unter 18: Gesetzeslage
Italy
See our Italian page: Aborto sotto i 18 anni
Portugal
See our Portuguese page: Abortar com menos de 18 anos
Mexico
Parental consent and accompaniment required for minors under 18.
The Netherlands
Parental consent required for minors under 16. Between 16 and 18, the doctor decides whether a parental consent is necessary.
Switzerland
See our Swiss page: Abtreibung unter 18
Thailand
Parental consent required for minors under 18.
Will an Abortion Show up on My Parents' Insurance?
Your doctor is bound to confidentiality. Whatever you talk about will not be shared with your parents. Still, your parents could find out about an abortion if you are covered under your parents' insurance plan. In that case, they may receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) listing any treatment you received.
For more details, go to Secret Abortion.
Maybe you are reading these lines because you are experiencing an unintended pregnancy or are afraid you might be pregnant. Abortion could quickly become a consideration.
You had probably pictured the next few years looking a lot different. Maybe you feel alone with the whole situation or too young to be a mom. Perhaps you and the baby’s dad are not together, and you are unsure how he feels about you and the baby. Above all, you may wonder how your parents will react.
Anticipating Your Parents’ Reaction
Your parents might have no idea about your pregnancy or that you are considering an abortion. Now you are anticipating their reaction. They may not realize that you are sexually active or know about your boyfriend. You may also be concerned that the news would disappoint or burden them. These thoughts and worries would make it difficult to know what to do.
It is hard to tell how your parents will react to the news about becoming grandparents. Often, the family’s response is much more loving and support-oriented than anticipated. Even if they are initially shocked, this does not have to be the final word.
Disbelief often gives way to an attitude of “We can do this!” A decision to keep the baby is usually followed by joyful anticipation. In many cases, the grandparents-to-be offer unexpected support, deflating any tension. Could this become your story?
How Do I Tell My Parents That I Am Pregnant? — 5 Tips
Whether your country requires you to inform your parents or not, you may be looking for ways to include them in your decision. Here are five tips on preparing for a conversation with your parents:
1. 👥 Seek Support
You may find it helpful to share your situation with someone you trust before approaching your parents (e.g., an older sister, a grandmother, an aunt, or a neighbor). Her reaction will probably be calmer since she is not your primary caregiver. Having this ally join the conversation will usually soften the overall tone.
2. 🤔 Choose Your Words Beforehand
During your conversation, your emotions may get the best of you, and you forget what you want to say. Choose your words beforehand. It is even okay to bring your notes.
3. 🙏 Ask Your Parents for Their Support
One effective way of opening the conversation is by sharing with your parents that you are facing a difficult situation and need their support. Admit that it is not easy for you to talk about it. Ask them whether they are willing to be there for you.
Taking this preliminary step will pave the way for a gentler response.
4. 🧑/👨 Approach Just One Parent First
Which parent would you find easier to talk to about the news — mom or dad? It may be a good idea to confide in this parent first. You will then have someone to root for you when sharing with the parent who is more likely to explode.
5. 🕰 Give Them Time
Can a Minor Be Forced to Have an Abortion?
You may be wondering whether your parents can force you to have an abortion. Perhaps someone else is pressuring you. You may still be unsure which way to decide, or you may have decided to keep the baby.
Knowing that coerced abortion is a criminal offense might come as a relief. Neither your parents, the father of the child, nor anyone else is allowed to force you to have an abortion.
If staying in your home under these circumstances becomes too difficult, you have several options, including moving to a maternity home.
Are you in immediate danger or being threatened by a family member or another person?
Contact the police or go to a safe house: click here to find addresses and advice.
Teen, Pregnant, and Scared — Now What?
You had probably not anticipated having a baby at this stage in life. This pregnancy poses a considerable challenge. Where do you even start?
Can you think of someone to turn to? Someone who would help you discover your deepest desires? Someone who would strengthen your resolve when things get tough?
Whether you are fortunate enough to have this kind of support, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Allow us to walk alongside you as you discover your unique path. Our resources provide a judgment-free setting in which you can discern the choice that is just right for you:
- ⚖️ Wondering whether to have an abortion or not? Take the Abortion Test!
- ⛑ Where do I go from here? — Quick Answers Quiz
- 🛤 Could an abortion affect me long term?
Disclaimer: While profemina seeks to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible, we do not guarantee the accuracy of these statistics, as teen abortion laws can change rapidly.