At today’s #SCOTUS confirmation hearing, we heard from Crystal Good about her experiences overcoming obstacles to get an abortion as a minor. Her testimony reflects the reality of many young people who need abortion care all across the US. #ThankCrystal judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/…
Young people deserve access to the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion care. Yet, many state legislatures have imposed special barriers that force minors to involve their parents in their decision to have an abortion. gu.tt/39M8e7f
Laws that mandate parental involvement—for either notification or approval by one or both parents—are unnecessary, deny young people’s bodily autonomy, and can add logistical and financial burdens to abortion care.
Research shows that most young people voluntarily involve a parent in their decision to have an abortion. But regardless of a young person’s family situation, everyone should be able to consent to their own abortion care. gu.tt/2SEU8Pq
Young people who choose not to involve their parents in their decision-making may fear coercion, abuse, backlash or other negative consequences. For reasons like this, parental involvement mandates may risk harm to young people by delaying medical care. pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/139/2/…
Even when a judicial bypass is available, research indicates that it can harm young people through logistical burdens and emotional stress. It can also delay a young person’s care and compromise their confidentiality. jahonline.org/article/S1054-…
Research also indicates that forced parental involvement laws are linked to an increase in the number of young people who travel out of state to seek abortion care in states with less restrictive requirements. gu.tt/2Iw5S3X
The average distance that a young person must travel for a confidential abortion increased from 55 miles in 1992 to 454 miles in 2015. That a huge journey for anyone, especially young people who may have limited finances and transportation. econstor.eu/bitstream/1041…
The bottom line is that young people know how to make decisions for themselves. They don't need parents or judges to individually approve their right to bodily autonomy, they need access to medically accurate information and providers for services. gu.tt/2SEU8Pq
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