Do they need to know? Abortion Without Parental Consent

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

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

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.