Forty-four states have adopted laws requiring a young woman to obtain the consent of or notify one or both parents prior to an abortion, but in nine of those states, the laws are enjoined or not enforced. Most of the statutes apply to young women under 18 and provide for a court bypass procedure should a young woman be unable to involve her parents. Most measures include exceptions for medical emergencies.

The states below require the consent or notification of one parent and include a judicial bypass procedure, unless otherwise specified. Where indicated, the measures permit the minor to obtain the consent of or notify an adult other than a parent prior to an abortion.

Parental Consent Enforced (23)
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine*
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi (two parent)
Missouri
North Carolina*
North Dakota (two parent)
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina*
Tennessee
Texas (consent and notice)
Utah (consent and notice; no judicial bypass for notice)
Virginia
Wisconsin*
Wyoming

Parental Notification Enforced (12)
Colorado*
Delaware*
Florida**
Georgia
Iowa*
Kansas
Maryland*
Minnesota (two parent)
Nebraska
Oklahoma**
South Dakota
West Virginia*

Parental Consent Enjoined or Not Enforced (4)
Alaska**
California
Idaho **
New Mexico (no judicial bypass procedure)

Parental Notification Enjoined or Not Enforced (5)
Illinois*
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire**
New Jersey

No Law (6 + Washington, DC)
Connecticut
Hawaii
New York
Oregon
Vermont
Washington
Washington, DC

* The measure provides an alternative to parental consent or notification, such as: permitting the minor to obtain the consent of or notify a grandparent or sibling in lieu of a parent; providing a doctor-authorized waiver under certain circumstances; or requiring the minor to receive specified counseling.

Contact the Center for Reproductive Rights for more information on a particular state's law.

** Constitutionality of statute currently being challenged.