Citation

Annu. Rev. Popul. Law 1987; 14: 335-339.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Harvard Law School Library)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12346693

Abstract

This document contains major provisions of Alabama's 1987 Act relating to parental consent for a minor's (under age 18) abortion. The intent of the law is to protect minors from their own immaturity, strengthen the family, and protect the rights of parents. The law accepts as fact that immature minors often lack the ability to make fully informed choice; that the medical, emotional, and psychological consequences of abortion are serious and long-lasting; and that involvement of parents is important to a minor's health care. The law requires the written consent of a parent or guardian before an abortion can be performed on an unemancipated minor. If the pregnancy was the result of incest, the minor's mother must be notified by certified mail. Minors unable to seek parental consent may apply to the court for waiver of the consent requirement. In such cases, the court may not give notice of the abortion to the minor's parents or legal guardians. The minor may represent herself in court or may be provided with an attorney. Hearsay evidence will be admissible, and the minor's identity will be kept confidential. The petition must include an allegation that the minor is sufficiently mature and well informed to decide about the abortion without the involvement of her parents and/or an allegation that the minor has been subjected to child abuse or that obtaining the consent of her parents is not in her best interest. These consent provisions are waived in cases of medical emergency.

Language: en