AboutDeborah Expertise I can answer questions about pregnancy symptoms, contraception, abortion, adoption,and
teen parenthood. Specifically, I can give up to date, accurate medical information, latest
studies as well as statistics pertaining to health issues surrounding pregnancy, and factors
to be considered before deciding to become a teen parent.
Experience I have answered over 3000 questions in this area on other health sites, most in the area of teen pregnancy.
Education/Credentials I have a bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Biology, and am halfway through a Master's Degree, also in Biology. I have access to and read many of the top medical journals, from which I also get the best, most thorough and accurate to answers to pressing medical and health related questions.
Past/Present Clients ehealth over 3000 posts
pro-choice talk over 6000 posts
Question I'm 16, I'm trying to get an abortion but I dont want anyone in my family especially my mom to find out can they keep it private?
Answer Dear Haily,
Yes, you absolutely can keep it private. Some states have laws that say a parent must be notified, but other states say that parents do NOT have to be notified. Even if you live in a state with the law stating a parent must be told, there are ways around that.
Get out your Yellow Pages telephone book and look under "abortion" in the yellow pages. Try to find a Planned Parenthood. Call them and ask them about the law in your state. If you live in a state that says a parent must be told, as them about ways to have an abortion without telling a parent. It is called "judicial bypass". The people at Planned Parenthood can walk you through this process, they do this all of the time.
