Tell All the Young People in Your Life About This Important Resource

In the US, parental notification laws are intended to stop young people (under 18 years old) from accessing abortion care. Folks usually aren't familiar with what abortion laws look like until they or someone they know needs an abortion, and then they may find themselves navigating a complicated web of dead ends due to money, travel, work, state mandated waiting periods, and more.

Judicial bypass is the process by which one might be able to get an abortion in spite of parental notification laws - a judge grants permission for the abortion to take place without parent or guardian involvement. It's a complicated process, made so intentionally so that it's inaccessible, but If/When/How, a community of lawyers for reproductive justice, has created an easy-to-use resource for young people looking for information about judicial bypass: Judicial Bypass Wiki.

Here's what you'll find on the site:

• A map: Click on your state to learn if it requires parental notification (you have to tell one or both of your parents or guardians), parental consent (you have to obtain permission from one or both of your parents or guardians), both notification and consent, or neither.

• A clear definition of judicial bypass that also breaks down what it means and why one might seek it.

• Resources, both general and state specific, including a guide on how to talk to your parents about pregnancy and abortion, and abortion funding. Remember, after you're granted a judicial bypass, you still have to figure out how to pay for the abortion, get to the clinic, etc.

• Because COVID-19 is still very much a thing, Judicial Bypass Wiki has a section devoted to updates, state by state, about whether or not courts are open and, if so, what cases they're taking.

• An easy way to exit the site quickly and information about safe browsing if you're searching on someone else's computer and don't want to leave a trail.

If you're a young person who's pregnant, it's possible that the abortion pill could be a good option for you, especially if you are fearful or unable to tell the adults in your life about it, and you're lacking the means and/or the time to pursue judicial bypass. You can take the abortion pill at home, or wherever you feel safe doing so. Women Help Women can answer your questions about self managed abortion, including how to access the pill (as well as contraception), how to use it, and what to expect. You are entitled to safe and effective abortion care, no matter how old you are, or where you live. Learn more at our FAQ page.