Abortion PA Laws for Teens
In Pennsylvania, the law says that one of your parents or a legal guardian must sign a consent form if you want to have an abortion, unless you are married or emancipated. This is called “parental consent.” Usually, it’s done at the clinic when your parent or guardian accompanies you here for your first appointment.
If you cannot involve a parent or you feel like it would not be safe to do so, the law does give you an alternative, called a “Judicial Bypass,” which means having a hearing with a judge at the Juvenile Court.
Parental Consent
On the day of your appointment, you and your parent or guardian must bring the following:
- A picture ID for both you and your parent (This can be a driver’s license or picture ID from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, a passport, or a work or school picture ID with your birth date.)
- Your birth certificate that includes the name(s) of the parent coming with you to your appointment
Judicial Bypass
- If you don’t believe that you can involve a parent, we can arrange a hearing with a judge.
- One of our patient advocates will accompany you and guide you through this process.
- The court appoints an attorney for your case at no cost to you.
- When the judge grants you a bypass, you’ll get a “document of approval,” which gives you the right to have an abortion without parental consent.
Helpful Resources
