Navigating abortion laws & judicial bypass

Some states require that parents be notified or give consent for a minor to get an abortion.** Abortion providers can help people understand the law in their state and how parental notification or consent works.

Minors who do not feel comfortable or safe involving a parent or guardian in the decision to have an abortion have two options:

1. Request service from a provider (like Aid Access) who offers telehealth from a state with protective “shield laws.” They can help minors without needing parental consent or notification.
2. Obtain a judicial bypass, which is permission from a judge. This process is free but can be complicated and may take 1-3 weeks. It involves going to court to fill out forms and meeting with a judge. Organizations like If/When/How, the ACLU, and Jane’s Due Process can assist.

** 36 states require parental consent or notification for minors seeking abortion care. Parental consent means one or both of your parents or legal guardian(s) has to sign paperwork saying that it is OK for you to have an abortion. Parental notification means that the abortion provider must tell your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) about the abortion before it is done. Abortion providers must comply with these laws if they are serving a minor who lives in a state, travels to a state, or uses a telehealth provider in a state that requires parental consent or parental notification for abortion. In these states, providers cannot help without parental notification or consent.