Abortion Rights for
Minors in Virginia

If you are under 18, you have the right to get an abortion in Virginia.

This page will walk you through everything you need to know from understanding your options to finding funding and support.

What if I can’t tell my parents?

You can ask a court for a judicial bypass, a legal process that lets a judge give you permission to make this decision on your own, without your parent’s involvement.

A judicial bypass is:

  • Free - you do not have to pay anything

  • Confidential - your name is kept private

  • Fast - the court must schedule your hearing and give you an answer within 4 days (not including weekends or holidays)

  • Supported - you have the right to a free lawyer who will represent only you

Do I need my parents' permission?

Yes, Virginia law requires one parent or legal guardian to give written permission before you can get an abortion at a clinic in Virginia. The clinic must also notify them at least 24 hours before your appointment.

You still have options if 
you can’t involve a parent.

How does judicial bypass work?
Step by step.

Make your clinic appointment.

Call a clinic and tell them you will need a judicial bypass. They will help you plan your appointments around the process.

Need help finding a clinic? Visit ineedana.com to find abortion providers near you.

File for judicial bypass.

You will need to go to your local Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) court to file a petition asking for permission to get an abortion without your parent’s involvement. 

Find your local JDR court here: courts.state.va.us/courts/jdr

Get a lawyer.

You have the right to a free lawyer who will represent only you. Here’s how to get one:

  • ACLU of Virginia — Send your request for legal assistance to intake@acluva.org.

  • If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline — Free, confidential legal information and referrals. Call (844) 868-2812.

  • RRFP clients — RRFP is also happy to do a warm handoff to connect you with legal support, but you don’t need to go through us. Email us at intake@rrfp.net if you need extra support.

Attend your hearing.

A hearing is a meeting with a judge, usually at the courthouse. Some hearings are virtual.
You will:

  • Swear to tell the truth

  • Answer questions about your life, your situation, and why you can’t involve a parent

  • Be supported by your lawyer the whole time

Judges often ask about your age, living situation, future plans, whether you’ve talked to a clinic about your options, and what you understand about the abortion process.

Get the judge’s decision.

The judge will decide either that you are mature enough to make this decision on your own, or that it is in your best interest to proceed without parental involvement. The court must give you an answer within 4 days.

Get funding.

You should not have to pay out of pocket. See the funding section below for resources.

What if I don’t want to go through judicial bypass?

No matter your age, you have the right to travel to another state that does not require parental involvement. 

  • Maryland - Maryland requires parental notice but not permission. The clinic must notify a parent, but your parent does not have to agree. In some circumstances including if you don’t live with a parent, if telling them would put you at risk of abuse, or if the provider determines you are mature enough, the clinic can decide not to notify them at all. Maryland does not have a judicial bypass process.

  • Washington D.C. - There are no parental involvement requirements in D.C. You can get an abortion without notifying or involving a parent at all.

How do I pay for my abortion?

Local funding options are based on where you live and where your appointment is. See ineedana.com for a full list of options. You may qualify for:

Emotional & Medical Support

Exhale Pro-Voice(text line) - Free, confidential emotional support after your abortion.
Text (617) 749-2948

M + A Hotline(call and text line) - Free, confidential support for medical questions about medication abortion.
Call or Text (833) 246-2632

All Options Talkline(call line): Call 1-888-493-0092 — Free, confidential counseling on pregnancy options.

Faith Aloud(call line): Call 1-888-717-5010 — Free, confidential counseling by spiritual and faith leaders.

Legal Support

ACLU of Virginia: intake@acluva.org

If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: Call (844) 868-2812