The hotline counselors here at Planned Parenthood can help you:
- Decide what you want to do;
- Figure out a way to talk to your parents if you choose to obtain parental consent;
- Obtain judicial consent for an abortion by finding you a free lawyer and preparing you for your court hearing;
- Find ways to pay for an abortion.
Call the Planned Parenthood Sexual Health Counseling and Referral Hotline at 1-800-258-4448, option 3 to speak with one of our trained counselors. Counselors are available:
Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm
You will need permission from a parent or a judge even if you do not live with your parents or you already have a child. If you are under 18 and choose to have an abortion, you have to do one of the following:
- Get written permission from one of your parents to have the abortion. This means a parent or legal guardian (someone with court papers showing they have custody of you) has to come with you to your appointment and sign a form. If you are in DCF or DYS custody (in foster care or incarcerated), you need to go court even if your parents or foster parents are willing to give you consent.
- Go to court in Massachusetts to have a judge decide if you are mature enough to make this decision without involving your parent. This is called a "judicial bypass." Learn more about judicial bypass.
- Have the abortion in a state that does not require parental or judicial consent before a woman under 18 can have an abortion. Maine, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont do not require parental or judicial consent.
