Teenage pregnancies have long-term effects on a teen’s physical, social, and mental well-being. Teenage abortions are not uncommon. However, with the recent changes in laws, abortions are no longer considered a constitutional right in the US, and each state has its own policy to regulate them. Read this post to know more about the causes of teenage abortions, the importance of adult involvement, and other legal aspects of abortion in the US.

Can A Teenager Get An Abortion?

Earlier, the US government permitted each person to decide if they wanted to end the pregnancy before around 24 weeks, when the pregnancy becomes viable. However, with the decision that the US supreme court released in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case in 2022, abortion is no longer considered a constitutional right (1). However, it is not a federal ban on abortions, and each state in the country can decide the specific abortion rules. Currently, some states have put a blanket ban on abortions, while others still consider it legal. If one lives in a state where abortion is illegal, one can still travel to the state where it is permitted and get the procedure done. It is essential to know the state laws before planning an abortion. For instance, some states require approval from one of the parents or an older family member of the teenager, a few states may require consent from both the parents, some require notifying the parents, and some other states excuse the teenager from getting the consent. If you don’t want to involve your parents, then you have the option of ‘judicial bypass.’ (2). Some states may waive parental involvement requirements if the adolescent is a victim of neglect or abuse or if there is a medical emergency. Nevertheless, all abortion providers encourage adolescents to inform their parents for better care and guidance (3).

Why Do Teens Go For An Abortion?

Around 78% of teen pregnancies are not planned. Nearly 35% of teens who get pregnant choose abortion (4) (5). Each girl may have her reason for abortion, but these are some of the common ones. Irrespective of the reason, if you do not want a pregnancy, you may carefully discuss the risk versus the benefits with your healthcare provider and go ahead with the termination of pregnancy. You might be a candidate for oral medication for the initial few weeks of pregnancy, making the process easier and quicker. The longer the pregnancy advances, the higher the risks and costs involved with the abortion procedure. There are community resources available in each state for counseling teens for the best option available or even adoption services for an advanced unwanted pregnancy. In general, abortion services are not covered by insurance in the US. Complications of abortion-related procedures are usually rare but can be life-altering and cost-prohibitive.

You may be mature and know what is right and wrong for you. But talk to your parents or a trustworthy adult who is likely to provide better care and support.

1. Why is parental guidance required?

Parental guidance, care, and support can greatly impact how the teen faces, recovers, and learns from the abortion. Parental involvement can help the teen benefit from adult wisdom, life experiences, financial support, and emotional assistance (7). However, if you think that telling about the pregnancy may worsen your family arrangement and harmony, you can seek guidance from a trusted adult.

The legal aspects of teenage abortion differ from state to state in the US (3) (8). The table below states the rules as per the guidelines from September 2022 (9): Some states in the US ask the parent to submit a government-issued identification. A few states also request proof of parenthood. In some cases of neglect or abuse, states may waive parental consent (3).

You may opt for a judicial bypass if you want to go ahead with an abortion without involving your parents. Under the judicial bypass, the adolescent may be granted permission to go for an abortion without informing or getting consent from parents. The judge may gauge the adolescent’s intelligence, maturity, emotional stability, and understanding of the consequences of abortion before issuing the judicial bypass. The court will also evaluate the reasons why a teen is not willing to involve the parents or guardians (3) (10) (11). It is a confidential and free procedure and may take around three weeks. If the court denies the grant, then the minor may appeal to the Court of Appeals of the respective state. In addition to the legal aspects of teen abortion, you should consider the associated risks.

Effects Of Abortion On Teenagers

The International Federation Of Gynecology And Obstetrics (IFGO) identifies barriers to education access, adverse mental and physical health effects, and social stigma as the unique challenges adolescents may face (12). Teenage pregnancy is often not planned, and thus an abortion may come with adverse effects.

1. Social and economic effects

According to the World Health Organization, unmarried pregnant teenagers usually face social stigma or parental rejection. Adolescent girls in school may have to leave their education due to peer pressure. Unfinished education may lead to fewer work opportunities and lesser earnings (13).

2. Psychological effects

A teenager may have to consider her partner’s opinion, her family’s opinion, her personal values, and her finances before and after abortion (14). These considerations can be mentally taxing. Guilt, regret, and remorse are some commonly experienced emotions by teens who undergo an abortion (15). Teenagers who opt for an abortion may be vulnerable to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, alcohol abuse, or other substance use (16).

3. Physical effects

Early complications related to teenage abortion include uterus or cervix injury, pelvic infection, reaction to anesthesia, hemorrhage, and delayed hemorrhage. Some medical health risks may be related to the pregnancy stage and the technique used for abortion (17).

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