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Arizona has a law that says anyone under 18 needs their parents’ permission to get an abortion. If that’s not a possibility for you, you can get something called a Judicial Bypass. Judicial Bypass is when you talk to a judge and they give you permission to get an abortion without telling your parents. It’s free and can usually be done in one day. Here is how it works:
First, make an appointment at an abortion clinic.
It’s a good idea to go to the abortion clinic before going to the court. It looks better to the judge if you've already taken a step and learned about your pregnancy and your options. You don't need your parents' permission for the appointment at the clinic, but it does cost money. If you can’t pay for it, we can help. You also need a photo ID. If you don’t have one, let us know and we can help. During the appointment, you'll get an ultrasound to see how far along you are and they’ll tell you information like what type of abortion you can get and how much it will cost. After the appointment, you can schedule your abortion. It’s a good idea to schedule it for a few days later, so you have time to go to the court.
Next, go to the court.
Next, you’ll go to the Pima County Juvenile Court Center at 2225 E Ajo Way in Tucson. They're open Mon - Fri 7:45 am - 5 pm. You don’t need an appointment, but you should try to get there by 2:00 if you can, to make sure there’s enough time. When you get to the court, go through security and turn left. Go all the way to the end of the hall to the Resource Center and tell the person at the desk you’re a minor and asking for a Judicial Bypass. They will give you papers to fill out. While you’re waiting, they will call a lawyer and a person called a Guardian Ad Litem, who will be there to help you and support you through the process. It can take a few hours for them to get there, or sometimes they might have you come back the next day. The guardian Ad Litem will help you understand what will happen in court and help you feel ready to talk to the judge.
Then, talk to the judge.
When the judge is ready, you'll go into the courtroom for a meeting, and your Guardian Ad Litem will be there to help you. The judge will ask you questions to decide whether you are mature enough to make the decision to have an abortion on your own. Some of the questions they ask will be things like: Do you know about other options besides abortion? How did you decide to get an abortion? Do you understand the risks? Does your partner know? What's your relationship with your parents? Why can't you talk to them about this? Do you work? Can you pay for the abortion? What are your future plans? Do you know about birth control? Will you use it in the future? They won’t ask you personal questions about how you got pregnant or about why you want an abortion.
If the judge approves, which they usually do, you’ll get some official papers to take to the clinic. This paper is what give the clinic permission to give you an abortion without your parents knowing.
If you want someone to go to the court with you, someone to talk/text with, help paying for your abortion, or anything else, we’re here for you! Text us and let us know how we can help: 520-235-6934