Abortion Access for Minors in Georgia

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


The legal age of consent for a minor to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Georgia is 18. However, a pregnant minor may petition the court for permission to obtain an abortion without parental consent if she is mature enough to make her own health decisions.

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


In Georgia, a minor must have both parental consent and parental notification before they are allowed to have an abortion. Parental notification can be waived by a judge if the minor can prove that notifying the parents would be detrimental to their well-being.

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


No, Georgia does not provide public funding for abortions for minors.

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


In Georgia, minors seeking abortions must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian unless they have obtained a judicial bypass. Minors are also required to wait 48 hours after consent is provided before having an abortion.

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


Yes, Georgia requires parental consent for minors to receive an abortion.

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


Yes. In Georgia law, there are exceptions to the parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions. Minors may get an abortion without their parents’ consent if they receive permission from a judge in the juvenile court system. This process, known as judicial bypass, requires the minor to appear before a judge and declare that she is mature enough to make her own decision about the abortion. If the judge agrees, the minor can then receive an abortion without parental involvement.

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


No, Georgia does not require minors to receive counseling before having an abortion.

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


In Georgia, a minor must obtain parental consent before an abortion can be performed. A minor may also obtain a judicial bypass if they are unable to obtain parental consent. The process for obtaining a judicial bypass typically takes up to 72 hours.

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


Yes, Georgia has put restrictions in place that require minors to obtain written consent from a parent or guardian before receiving an abortion. Additionally, the state requires minors to wait at least 24 hours after the consent is given before being able to proceed with the abortion.

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


Yes, minors in Georgia must obtain parental or legal guardian consent before terminating a pregnancy and must wait at least 24 hours after parental or guardian consent is given before receiving an abortion.

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


No. Georgia requires that a parent or legal guardian be notified before a minor can have an abortion.

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


Yes, local governments in Georgia have regulations that limit access to abortion for minors. The state requires minors to obtain parental consent for an abortion. The minor must also inform a parent, guardian, or grandparent of her decision to have an abortion at least 48 hours prior to the procedure. Additionally, a court order is needed if the minor lacks parental consent or is otherwise unable to secure it.

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


Yes, the requirements that must be met by a physician before performing an abortion on a minor in Georgia include:

• Obtaining the written consent of one parent or legal guardian of the minor.
• Certifying in writing that the parent or guardian was counseled as to the nature of the procedure and risks, alternatives, and consequences of abortion.
• Complying with parental notification requirements established by state law.
• Establishing a process to ensure that the minor’s identity is kept confidential from the parent or guardian.
• The physician must also have a valid Georgia medical license.

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


In Georgia, minors seeking abortions without parental consent or notification must obtain judicial bypass. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Georgia provides an online form for minors to fill out to request a judicial bypass. The form must be filled out and submitted to the local court clerk. Upon receipt of the completed form, the court clerk will then set a hearing date with a judge. At the hearing, the minor must demonstrate that she is mature enough to make the decision to have an abortion without parental involvement. If the judge finds that the minor has met this requirement, he or she will issue an order allowing her to proceed with the abortion without parental consent or notification.

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


Yes, Georgia allows for a minor to petition a court for a waiver of the parental notification or consent laws for an abortion. The minor must prove that she is mature enough to make her own decision and that an abortion is in her best interests.

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


No, Georgia 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 Georgia?


No, minors in Georgia are not allowed to obtain an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian. Georgia law requires minors to obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian before having an abortion.

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


Yes, Georgia does provide resources and support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services. In Georgia, the Department of Public Health provides information and resources for pregnant teenagers and minors about accessing abortion services safely and legally. Additionally, there are several clinics in the state that offer comprehensive pregnancy options counseling to aid pregnant teens in making informed decisions about whether to have an abortion.

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


No, healthcare providers in Georgia are not held liable for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification. The Georgia Parental Consent for Abortion Act of 1991 states that “…no person shall be prosecuted or held civilly liable for any action taken in good faith to comply with the provisions of this Code section.” This means that healthcare providers cannot be held liable for any action taken in good faith when it comes to performing abortions on minors without parental consent or notification.

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


Yes, there are restrictions on insurance coverage of abortions for minors in Georgia. Georgia state law requires that a minor obtain the written consent of one parent or legal guardian before an abortion is provided. In addition, insurance plans regulated by the state of Georgia are not allowed to cover abortion services.