If You are Under 18
If you are under the age of 18, the law in Pennsylvania says that in order for you to have an abortion, you need to either bring a parent with you to sign your consent forms or go through a process called Judicial Bypass. If you cannot or do not want to involve either parent, we can help you. A judicial bypass allows you to ask a judge to declare you mature enough to decide for yourself whether or not to have an abortion. Although that may seem complicated or frightening, it is a fairly simple process and our staff will walk you through each step.
Going through the judicial bypass process means that you will need to schedule two appointments at the clinic. You must first call to schedule your first appointment for a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. During this appointment, you'll fill out a chart that includes your medical history, then have lab work done and meet with a counselor. The counselor will discuss your options with you, help you work through any emotional difficulties you may be having with your choice, and help you to explore your feelings about your decision.
After counseling, you will have an ultrasound and exam from the doctor. After the exam, the counselor will work with you to complete the paperwork needed for court. This appointment will last approximately two to two-and-a-half hours. You will need to bring a portion of the total fee for the abortion with you when you come for the first appointment. Before you schedule the second appointment, the counselor will explain the abortion to you, and you will have the opportunity to discuss all of the options available to you and the cost for each. When your first appointment is completed, you will schedule the second appointment.
Your second appointment will consist of going to court to meet with the judge, and then returning to the clinic for the actual abortion that same day. You'll schedule this appointment for a Tuesday or Thursday at 8:00 am. A volunteer from the clinic will meet you at the clinic, drive you to court, and will show you where to go to meet your court-appointed lawyer. The lawyer's job is to protect your rights. There is no charge to have the lawyer represent you.
Then you will go in front of the judge. While you are with the judge, only the judge, your lawyer, and you will be present. The judge will probably ask you a few questions. The counselor will have prepared you for the type of questions to expect. The judge will then give you permission to sign the consent forms yourself. So far, in Pennsylvania, the judges have never said no to anyone. The volunteer will then drive you back to the clinic and you'll have your abortion.