Abortion

  • If you are pregnant, you do NOT need the consent of your sex partner, husband, or any other person to obtain an abortion. 
  • Abortion services are confidential. Information about your treatment, including your medical records, generally may not be disclosed without your consent.
  • There is no required waiting period to get an abortion.

Rights of Minors Under Age 18

  • If you are under the age of 18, you do NOT need the permission of your parent or guardian to get an abortion, as long as you are able to give informed consent. 
  • To give informed consent, you must understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure or treatment, including the option not to have the treatment. 
  • Abortion services are confidential. A health care provider generally may not disclose medical records to your parent or guardian without your permission. 
  • You may obtain contraceptive care and counseling, emergency contraception (“Plan B” or “the morning-after pill”), or pregnancy tests. Parental consent or parental notification are not required.
  • You are not necessarily guaranteed to confidentiality when you notify a teacher, administrator, social worker, or other school employee that you are pregnant. 
  • You may be able to get financial assistance for your medical care needs.
  • If you are pregnant and in high school, you are entitled to stay in school and receive educational support.

If you are considering an abortion, or if you think you need any other medical help, you should contact a health care provider as soon as possible. The NYCLU has information on free or low-cost health care.

Rights of Pregnant Women in New York State

  • If you are pregnant, an employer cannot refuse to hire you because of your pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients, or customers. 
  • An employer may not single out pregnancy-related conditions for special procedures to determine your ability to work. If you are temporarily unable to perform your job due to pregnancy, the employer must treat you the same as any other temporarily disabled employee.
  • If you are pregnant, you must be permitted to work as long as you are able to perform your job. 
  • Your employer must hold open a job for a pregnancy-related absence the same length of time that jobs are held open for employees on sick or disability leave.
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Last Reviewed: March 28, 2024