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). Visit the Jane's Due Process website for more information.
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:
As of October 1st, 2011, state law will require all women seeking an abortion to have at least 2 visits to the abortion facility.
Why do I have to make two visits for an abortion?
This summer the Texas Legislature passed a bill that requires women to have an ultrasound at least 24 hours before she has an abortion. Planned Parenthood always puts women’s health first and we fought against this law because there is no medical reason for requiring women to come 24 hours in advance. Ultrasounds have been a standard part of abortion services and are always performed on every patient before any type of procedure is done.
Beginning October 1, 2011, women will have to make at least 2 trips for an abortion – the first being for an ultrasound. This is required for the abortion pill and for in-clinic abortions. We understand that requiring multiple visits makes things more inconvenient for women during a stressful time in their lives. We will try our very best to work with women to help them through these new changes.
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 Healthcare licensing for the Texas Department of Health at 1-888-973-0022. You have the right to access certain information concerning this licensed abortion facility by using the toll-free number.
Additional State Laws
In addition to the 2011 law requiring an ultrasound at least 24 hours prior to an abortion, the state passed a law titled "Women's Right To Know Act" that requires physicians to give women seeking abortions state-mandated information about medical risks, adoption alternatives, and developmental stages of the fetus. This information must be provided 24 hours before the abortion procedure – during the first visit when the woman receives her required ultrasound.
Our clients know that Planned Parenthood has always given women medically accurate information and counseling so they can make responsible decisions about their personal healthcare 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:
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.
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.
