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More Questions About Young Women's Rights

Do I have to get my parent’s consent or go before a judge to take the abortion pill?

Yes. RU-486, Mifeprex, mifepristone, and misoprostol, and methotrexate are all names of drugs that are used for very early abortions. Pennsylvania’s parental consent law applies to these medical abortions as well as to surgical abortions.

You do NOT need parental permission or permission from a judge to use emergency contraception (such as “morning after pill,” Preven, or Plan B), high-dose birth control pills usually taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

What if I don’t have the money for an abortion?

If you need help paying for the abortion, call CHOICE at 1-800-848-3367 and ask for an abortion loan fund serving your region. In the Philadelphia region, call the Women’s Medical Fund (215-564-4070). In the Pittsburgh area, call the Western Pennsylvania Fund for Choice (412-327-6477). If you are a delinquent or dependent child in placement outside your home, your medical care should be paid for. If your pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or if your life is in danger, Medicaid may cover your abortion. Your abortion provider may also be able to offer you a reduced fee abortion. Do not delay calling for an appointment just because you haven’t raised the full fee.

Can my boyfriend keep me from getting an abortion? Or force me into getting one I don’t want?

No. Your boyfriend, husband, or partner cannot cancel out your decision. If you partner is trying to force you into making a choice you don’t like, tell your doctor and call the Women’s Law Project.

Do I need my parent’s permission to get birth control, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted disease tests, or AIDS tests?

No. The Pennsylvania parental consent law applies only to abortion. You do not need your parent’s consent for pregnancy testing, to get birth control, or to get testing or treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, and chlamydia. These services are confidential; you can get them without involving your parents.