What does this law mean for Illinois teens? Your questions about the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act are answered below.
If you are scheduled to have an abortion at Planned Parenthood, you can download a Parental Notice of Abortion Letter that your adult family member can sign, stating that he or she knows your are having an abortion. Read below for other ways that an adult family member can be notified.
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To learn more about the Illinois judicial bypass procedure, visit www.ilbypasscoordinationproject.org.
For additional questions, please contact the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.
Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act mean for teens who are seeking an abortion?
The law requires that an abortion provider in Illinois (such as Planned Parenthood) seeking to perform an abortion for a minor must give at least 48 hours notice to an adult family member of the pregnant minor.
Who is considered a minor?
A minor is a person who is:
- Under the age of 18,
- Has never been married, and
- Has not been legally emancipated
Who is considered an adult family member?
A person over 21 years old who is the parent, grandparent, step-parent living in the household, or legal guardian of the pregnant minor.
Does this law only apply for surgical abortions?
No. Parental notification is required for both surgical and medical abortions.
How is the adult family member notified?
We will notify the adult family member by phone or certified mail if we are unable to reach the adult family member by phone.
An adult family member is coming with me for my appointment. Will that meet the notification requirement?
Yes. Your adult family member will have to sign a statement that says that he or she is your parent, grandparent, step-parent who lives with you or legal guardian, is over the age of 21 and is aware that you are having an abortion procedure. This statement will be put in your permanent medical record.
Can I ask my adult family member to sign a letter saying that they have been notified?
Yes. Click here to download a letter that your adult family member can sign, stating that he or she knows you are having an abortion. The letter also certifies that the adult family member is over the age of 21, states how they are related to you and that he or she does not need us to call or send a letter 48 hours before your abortion.
You will be required to sign a statement verifying that this letter comes from your parent, grandparent, step-parent who lives with you or legal guardian. This statement will be put in your permanent medical record.
A copy of this letter is also available at all 19 of our health centers.
What if my adult family member does not want me to have an abortion?
As long as the adult family member is notified, the minor can obtain an abortion. This law only requires notification, not consent.
Is there another option if I can’t - or do not want - to notify an adult family member?
Yes. If you cannot or do not want to tell any one of your adult family members, you will need to go to court and get permission from a judge. If you decide that you would rather get permission from a judge than notify an adult family member, we can give you information to get free legal help to guide you through this process. Your identity will remain confidential through the judicial bypass procedure. Click here to learn more about the Illinois judicial bypass procedure.
What happens if I live in another state but I want to have an abortion in Illinois?
All minors, including those from other states, must have an adult family member notified or go through the Illinois judicial bypass system.
What if a minor receives a waiver through judicial bypass in another state?
All minors who choose to terminate a pregnancy in Illinois, including minors from other states, must go through the Illinois judicial bypass system. Click here to learn more about the Illinois judicial bypass procedure.
