1. What is the legal age of consent for minors to obtain an abortion in Tennessee?

The legal age of consent for minors to obtain an abortion in Tennessee is 18. A minor must obtain parental consent from a parent or legal guardian in order to receive an abortion.

2. What parental notification laws exist for minors seeking an abortion in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires parental consent for minors to receive an abortion. A minor must obtain written notarized consent from one parent or legal guardian before having an abortion. The parent or legal guardian must also provide proof of identity. If the minor is unable to obtain consent, they may petition a judge for a judicial bypass.

3. Does Tennessee provide public funding for abortions for minors?

No, Tennessee does not provide public funding for abortions for minors. Minors must have written parental consent or permission from a juvenile court judge in order to get an abortion in the state of Tennessee.

4. What restrictions apply to minors seeking abortions in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, minors seeking abortions must have the written consent of one of their parents or legal guardians before they can proceed with the procedure. The parent or guardian must provide proof of their identity and be present with the minor at the time of the abortion. Minors may also obtain a judicial bypass, which requires them to appear in court and demonstrate that they are mature and well-informed enough to make the decision on their own or that an abortion is in their best interests.

5. Does Tennessee require parental consent for minors to receive an abortion?

Yes, Tennessee requires minors to obtain written, notarized permission from a parent or legal guardian before having an abortion.

6. Are there exceptions to Tennessee’s parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions?

Yes, there are exceptions to Tennessee’s parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions. A minor may receive an abortion without parental consent or notification if: a court waives the consent requirement, a medical emergency exists, the minor is emancipated, or a physician certifies that the abortion is in the best interest of the minor and would result in emotional or physical health benefits for the minor.

7. Does Tennessee require minors to receive counseling before having an abortion?

Yes, Tennessee requires minors to receive counseling before having an abortion. The counseling must be provided by a licensed physician and must include information about the medical risks associated with the abortion procedure, the availability of agencies and services that can provide assistance to minors who are pregnant or are parents, and a list of agencies and services that provide adoption referral services.

8. How long must a minor wait in Tennessee before an abortion can be performed?

In Tennessee, minors must receive written consent from a legal guardian before an abortion can be performed. Additionally, there is a 48-hour waiting period between the time the minor obtains consent and when the procedure can be performed.

9. Does Tennessee have any laws that restrict abortion access for minors?

Yes, minors in Tennessee must obtain consent from a parent or guardian before they can receive an abortion. If the minor does not wish to pursue parental consent, she can ask a state court to waive the requirement.

10. Is there a mandatory waiting period for minors to receive an abortion in Tennessee?

Yes, there is a mandatory 48-hour waiting period for minors to receive an abortion in Tennessee.

11. Does Tennessee allow minors to refuse to notify their parents prior to having an abortion?

Tennessee does not allow minors to refuse to notify their parents prior to having an abortion.

12. Do any local governments have regulations that limit access to abortion for minors in Tennessee?

Yes. Some local governments in Tennessee have regulations that limit access to abortion for minors. For example, in Nashville, minors must have parental consent or a judicial waiver in order to receive an abortion. Additionally, some counties in Tennessee mandate a 48-hour waiting period before a minor can receive an abortion.

13. Are there any requirements that must be met by a physician before performing an abortion on a minor in Tennessee?

Yes, there are several requirements that must be met by a physician before performing an abortion on a minor in Tennessee:

1. The physician must obtain written consent from the minor’s parent or guardian for the abortion;

2. The physician must provide the parent or guardian with information on the risks of abortion, available alternatives, and the probable gestational age of the fetus;

3. The physician must obtain proof of identification for both the minor and her parent or guardian;

4. The physician must obtain certification from a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker that the minor is mature and capable of informed decision-making with regard to the abortion;

5. The physician must provide the minor with counseling regarding her decision;

6. The physician must provide information to the minor regarding the medical assistance or financial aid that may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care; and

7. The physician must provide information regarding adoption services that may be available to the minor.

14. What judicial bypass procedures exist in Tennessee for minors seeking abortions without parental consent or notification?

In Tennessee, minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification may use the judicial bypass procedures set forth in Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-10-303. This procedure allows a minor to petition the court for a judicial waiver of the parental consent or notice requirement, and the court must grant the waiver if it finds that the minor is sufficiently mature and informed to make an abortion decision without informing or consulting her parents, or if it finds that notification or consent of the minor’s parents is not in her best interests. The statute also requires that the court provide for confidential proceedings and that the minor’s identity remain confidential throughout the proceedings.

15. Does Tennessee allow any exceptions to its parental notification or consent laws for minors seeking abortions?

Yes, Tennessee does allow exceptions to its parental notification or consent laws for minors seeking abortions. Minors may petition a court for permission to obtain an abortion without parental notification or consent. Additionally, medical personnel may waive the parental notification or consent requirements in cases of medical emergencies.

16. Does Tennessee require public schools to provide students with information about accessing abortion services?

No, Tennessee does not require public schools to provide students with information about accessing abortion services.

17. Is it possible for a minor to obtain an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian in Tennessee?

No, minors are not able to obtain an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian in Tennessee. Minors require parental consent in order to obtain an abortion, unless the minor obtains a judicial bypass.

18. Does Tennessee provide any resources or support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services?

Yes, Tennessee provides resources and support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services. The Tennessee Department of Health has a program called the Pregnancy Options and Education Program (POEP) which provides free, confidential pregnancy counseling and referrals to health care providers for pregnant minors. The program also offers referrals to social services organizations for financial, legal, and other support services. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Health offers a 24-hour hotline to assist pregnant minors in connecting with local resources.

19. Can healthcare providers be held liable in Tennessee for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification?

Yes, healthcare providers can be held liable in Tennessee for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification. The state has enacted parental consent and notification laws for minors seeking abortions. Additionally, the Tennessee Supreme Court has held that healthcare providers may be held liable for medical malpractice if they fail to meet the standards of care established by statute.

20. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage of abortions for minors in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee requires a parent or legal guardian to provide consent for abortions performed on minors. Additionally, insurance cannot be used to cover abortions for minors unless there is a medical emergency, such as a life-threatening physical disorder, injury, or illness.