Parental Consent and Notification Laws
Updated May 3, 2024
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which means that states can now ban abortion at any stage in pregnancy. Some states have banned abortion or created lots of restrictions. But abortion is NOT banned nationwide. Abortion is still legal in many states, and it's legal to travel to a different state to get an abortion.
Laws about abortion continue to change — this page is updated often, but it may not have the newest information. You can find more information about laws in your state and how to get an abortion at AbortionFinder.org.
If abortion is legal in your state, or if you're traveling to another state where abortion is legal, there may still be other laws that affect you if you're under 18. The exact rules are different in different places. Find general information on your state below.
Some states say you have to get permission from a parent, legal guardian, or older family member to have an abortion. Other states don’t make you get permission, but your parents will have to know that you’re getting an abortion. And some states don't have any laws about telling your parents or getting their permission. In some states, even with laws that generally require a parent’s permission, you may not have to involve your parent in certain circumstances, like if you’ve experienced abuse.The information below is an overview of the laws in each state and doesn’t necessarily cover all exceptions.
Also, if your state does have parental involvement laws, you may be able to get a judge's permission to have an abortion without telling your parents. This is called "judicial bypass."
If you have questions about whether you can get an abortion without involving your parent, if you would like help navigating the judicial bypass process, or if you don’t have your parents in your life and want to understand your options, you can contact the If/When/How Judicial Bypass Helpline by calling 844-868-2812 or submitting a request online.
You’re not alone. If you’re pregnant and want to have an abortion, contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center as soon as possible. They can help explain the laws in your state, let you know what your options are, and help you talk with your parents. You can also visit AbortionFinder.org.
Be careful to go to a real health center and not a crisis pregnancy center — these are anti-abortion clinics that don’t offer a full range of real health care, won’t give you honest information about your pregnancy options, and usually don’t have to follow privacy laws. Planned Parenthood or AbortionFinder.org can help you find a trustworthy health care provider.
It's important to take action right away. Abortion is very safe, but there are more risks the longer you wait. If you need a judicial bypass, it can take a while to get through the process. There are also time limits on abortion in some states. And if you live in a state where abortion is illegal, you may have to go to another state to get an abortion, and it can take time to arrange travel. Planned Parenthood or another trusted abortion provider can explain your options and connect you with resources that may be able to help you make an appointment and pay for travel or other costs.
Alabama
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Alaska
No parental involvement requirement.
Arizona
Abortion is banned in Arizona at 15 weeks and later. For abortions before 15 weeks of pregnancy, Arizona requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
On April 9, 2024, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a near-total abortion ban. For more information on when the ban becomes enforceable, you can visit the Attorney General’s website on Reproductive Rights.
Arkansas
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
California
No parental involvement requirement.
Colorado
Colorado requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian be told of your decision 48 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement. If you don’t live with your parents, but you do live with a grandparent, or an adult aunt or uncle, the adult relative you live with may be told in place of your parents.
Connecticut
No parental involvement requirement.
Delaware
If you’re over 16, no parental involvement is required. If you’re under 16, Delaware requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian, a grandparent, or a mental health professional be told of your decision at least 24 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
No parental involvement requirement.
Florida
Abortion is currently banned in Florida at 6 weeks and later, except for survivors of sexual assault or human trafficking. Survivors may access abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. For abortions occurring before the 6 (or, where relevant, 15) week cut-off, Florida requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. Separately, your parent or legal guardian must be notified of your decision 48 hours before the abortion takes place. The same parent or guardian can be notified and give permission. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Georgia
Abortion is banned in Georgia at approximately 6 weeks and later. For abortions occurring before approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy, Georgia requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian be told of your decision at least 24 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Hawaii
No parental involvement requirement.
Idaho
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Illinois
No parental involvement requirement.
Indiana
Abortion is illegal in Indiana, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Iowa
Iowa requires that one of your parents, a legal guardian, or a grandparent be told of your decision at least 48 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Kansas
Your state requires that both of your parents or your legal guardians give permission for your abortion. If your parents are separated or divorced, only the parent with custody needs to give permission. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Kentucky
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Louisiana
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Maine
No parental involvement requirement.
Maryland
Maryland requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian be told of your decision before your abortion, unless you don’t live with a parent or legal guardian and reasonable effort to give notice is unsuccessful. In many circumstances, a qualified abortion provider can excuse you from the parental notification requirement.
Massachusetts
If you’re over 16, no parental involvement is required. If you’re under 16, Massachusetts requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement. Planned Parenthood in Massachusetts has specially trained staff who can help you obtain a judicial bypass.
Michigan
Michigan requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Minnesota
No parental involvement requirement.
Mississippi
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Missouri
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Montana
If you’re over 16, no parental involvement is required. If you’re under 16, your state requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian be told of your decision 48 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement. Planned Parenthood of Montana can help you contact someone to help with the judicial bypass process.
Nebraska
Abortion is banned in Nebraska at 12 weeks and later. For abortions occurring before 12 weeks of pregnancy, Nebraska requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Nevada
No parental involvement requirement.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian be told of your decision at least 48 hours before your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
New Jersey
No parental involvement requirement.
New Mexico
No parental involvement requirement.
New York
No parental involvement requirement.
North Carolina
Abortion is banned in North Carolina after the 12th week of pregnancy. For abortions occurring through the 12th week of pregnancy, North Carolina requires that one of your parents, your legal guardian, or a grandparent with whom you’ve lived for at least 6 months immediately preceding the abortion, give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
North Dakota
North Dakota requires that both of your parents or your legal guardians give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Ohio
Ohio requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Oklahoma
Abortion is illegal in this state, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Oregon
If you’re over 15, no parental involvement is required. If you’re under 15, Oregon requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. In many circumstances a health care provider can excuse you from this requirement.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
South Carolina
Abortion is unavailable in South Carolina after approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy. For abortions occurring before approximately 6 weeks in pregnancy, South Carolina requires that if you’re under 17 you obtain permission for your abortion from one of the following individuals: a parent, legal guardian, or a grandparent. A judge can excuse you from this requirement. If you’re 17 or older, no parental involvement is required.
South Dakota
Abortion is illegal in South Dakota, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Tennessee
Abortion is illegal in Tennessee, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Texas
Abortion is illegal in Texas, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Utah
Abortion is banned in Utah at 18 weeks and later. For abortions occurring before 18 weeks of pregnancy, Utah requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion. Separately a parent or legal guardian must be notified of your decision 24 hours before the abortion takes place. The same parent or guardian can be notified and give permission. A judge can excuse you from the consent requirement, but not the notice requirement.
Vermont
No parental involvement requirement.
Virginia
Virginia requires that you get permission for your abortion from one of the following individuals: your parent, a legal guardian, or an adult family member or parent-like individual that you regularly live with (such as a grandparent or adult sibling). Separately that individual must be notified of your decision 24 hours before the abortion takes place. A judge can excuse you from both of these requirements.
Washington
No parental involvement requirement.
West Virginia
Abortion is illegal in West Virginia, with very limited exceptions. But you may be able to get an abortion in other states. You can find your nearest abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires that you get permission for your abortion from one of the following individuals: your parent or legal guardian, a grandparent, or a sibling or aunt or uncle that is at least 25 years old. A judge can excuse you from this requirement.
Wyoming
Wyoming requires that one of your parents or your legal guardian give permission for your abortion and be notified of your decision at least 48 hours before the abortion takes place. A judge can excuse you from both of these requirements.