Judicial Bypass

Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania and in every state for women of all ages. In Pennsylvania, however, most young women aged 17 and under must get permission for the abortion from one parent or a judge.

In almost all cases, if you are 17 or under and want an abortion, you have two choices:

You can get the "informed consent" of one of your parents or your legal guardian.
You can go anonymously before a judge who can OK the abortion without telling your parents.

Some young women decide that they cannot tell their parents about their pregnancy. If you feel you cannot tell your parents about your pregnancy, or if your parents know but have refused to give you permission for an abortion, you can go anonymously before a judge to get an order allowing the abortion. This option is called a "judicial bypass".

If you are interested in obtaining a judicial bypass, call 412-562-1900 to speak with a counselor.

For more information on the judicial bypass process in Pennsylvania check out the Women's Law Project.

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