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Can a Girl Take RU-486 Without Asking Her Parents?

Emily Yoffe
Posted Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at 6:02 PM ET

Thirty states enforce laws that require an abortion provider to notify a parent or guardian before a minor can receive an abortion. Will these laws still be in effect if a girl comes in for RU-486?

Yes. These laws of notification and consent apply to any abortion, whether it is a surgical procedure or the newly available medical procedure using RU-486, also known as Mifepristone, Mifeprex, or the Early Option Pill.

Next question?

Explainer thanks Vicki Saporta, executive director of the National Abortion Federation.

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Emily Yoffe is the author of What the Dog Did: Tales From a Formerly Reluctant Dog Owner. You can send your Human Guinea Pig suggestions or comments to .
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Reader Comment from The Fray:


Your answer implies that teens will not be able to obtain RU-486 without parental consent. This is not true in most states. While many states require parental notification for abortion, most (not all) also provide alternatives for teens who feel that they cannot involve their parents in this decision. In many states, a judge holds a hearing to determine if a minor is mature. If found to be mature, the minor can make her own decision. If the teen if found to be immature, the judge can decide to allow an abortion without parental notification.

-- Amy B. Tuteur, MD

(To reply, click here.)

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