Involvement Among Minors Seeking Abortion

There are many different factors that can either positively or negatively influence parental involvement among minors seeking abortions in the United States. A research study was conducted in the Chicago, Illinois area and involved minors who were seeking abortions at two clinics and one hospital. Minors ranged from the ages between 12-17. The research was gathered from 30 participants before the abortion process began. This study explores the different factors minors face when deciding whether or not to inform their legal guardians about their abortion decisions. When becoming pregnant before the age of 18, one-third of pregnant women will seek an abortion. Many states have parental involvement laws that require all minors to tell their legal guardian about their abortion decision. If minors seeking abortions in these particular states refuse to notify a parent, the court has the right to notify the minor’s legal guardian without informed consent. One of the main reasons minors did not wish to disclose their personal information to a parent was because of the fear the parent would be angry with them and have negative …show more content…
Twenty-one participants made the choice before seeking abortion services to involve at least one parent or caregiver. Nine participants made the choice not to include either parent or caregivers in their decision-making process. All thirty-one participants voluntarily made the choice to tell at least one person, such as a boyfriend or schoolteacher about their pregnancy. The need for physical and mental support are two critical factors involved when making the decision whether or not to disclose abortion information with parents. Many girls needed financial assistance, and some felt as if a disclosure was forced upon them from a third-party