Do teens need their parent’s permission to get an abortion?
Yes. In Texas and Louisiana, state law requires that the parent or legal guardian provide written permission for unmarried teens (under the age of 18) to have an abortion. There are a few exceptions:
1) The teen can go before a judge and receive permission from the judge to have an abortion without the parent’s permission
(also known as Judicial Bypass). Call 1-800-831-6538 and our staff can give you information about Parental Consent or Judicial Bypass. Or visit Jane's Due Process page.
2) Teens who are legally emancipated do not need to have permission from a parent or guardian or
3) If there is a medical emergency and the pregnant teen needs an abortion, the parent does not have to give permission.
Texas Department of State Health Services Required Information
You must contact Planned Parenthood 24 hours before an abortion procedure as mandated by law.In accordance with ~139.6 of this legislation (relating to Public Information; Toll-free Telephone Numbers) we are providing you with the phone number of Health Care licensing for the Texas Department of Health - 1-888-973-0022. You have the right to access certain information concerning this licensed abortion facility by using the toll free number.
In the 2003 Texas Legislative session, a law titled "Women's Right To Know Act" was passed that requires:
1) Physicians to give women seeking abortions information about medical risks and adoption alternatives,
2) A woman to wait 24-hours after making her appointment to give her the option of reviewing color pictures of the developmental stages of a fetus,
AND
3.) Second-trimester abortions (over 16 weeks of pregnancy) be performed only in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers.
Our clients know that Planned Parenthood has always given women medically accurate information and counseling so they can make responsible decisions about their personal health care needs. When there is a need we refer women to social service providers including adoption agencies and to prenatal care services.
The "Women's Right To Know" information is currently available on the Texas Department of State Health Services website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wrtk/default.shtm.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is also responsible for any complaints. You can write Director, Health Facility Licensing and Compliance Division, Texas Department of State Health Services, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Complainants MUST provide his/her name.
