The Adolescent's Right to Confidential Care When Considering Abortion

Elise D. Berlan, Seema Menon, Elizabeth M. Alderman, Elise D. Berlan, Richard J. Chung, Michael D. Colburn, Laura K. Grubb, Janet Lee, Stephenie B. Wallace, Anne Marie Amies, Liwei L. Hua, Seema Menon, Maria H. Rahmandar, Ellie Vyver, Lauren Zapata, Karen S. Smith, James Baumberger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its position that the rights of adolescents under 18 years of age to confidential care when considering legal medical and surgical abortion therapies should be protected. Most adolescents voluntarily involve parents and other trusted adults in decisions regarding pregnancy termination and should be encouraged to do so when safe and appropriate. The legal climate surrounding abortion law is rapidly becoming more restrictive and threatens to adversely impact adolescents. Mandatory parental involvement, the judicial bypass procedure, and general restrictive abortion policies pose risks to adolescents' health by causing delays in accessing medical care, increasing volatility within a family, and limiting their pregnancy options. These harms underscore the importance of adolescents' access to confidential abortion care. This statement presents a summary of pertinent current information related to the impact of legislation requiring mandatory parental involvement in an adolescent's decision to obtain abortion services.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2022058780
JournalPediatrics
Volume150
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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