Whether you have parental guidance or not, we love supporting young people in any questions you or family has, giving rides, providing free plan b, accessing abortion services or helping you through the Judicial Bypass process. Please let us know if there’s a way we can support you. 520-235-6934
Text Version for accessibility:
Arizona has a law requiring parental consent for minors to access abortion services. Judicial Bypass is a free legal alternative, where a minor can meet with a judge and request to be given permission to have an abortion without anyone, including their parent knowing. You can call or text TASC at anytime for support 520-235-6934. Here's how it works:
Clinic:
While it's not required that you are seen at a clinic first, it's in your best interest. It looks better to the judge for you to already have gotten information about your pregnancy and abortion options. So first, schedule a consultation at an abortion clinic. You do not need parent permission to have this appointment. The consultation includes an ultrasound to see how far along you are, which determines the type of abortion you can have and the cost. At the end of the consultation you can schedule your abortion appointment. You'll need to get your judicial bypass before that appointment so you can bring your document to the clinic for your procedure. There are two clinics in Tucson: Choices Women's Center and Planned Parenthood. Be aware that there are often people outside the clinic harassing patients as they go in. You do not have to talk to them. The cost of abortion increases weekly so schedule your consultation ASAP so that you have time to get the Judicial Bypass before your procedure! You will need a government issued ID to get an abortion at the clinic.
Court:
Once you've got your procedure scheduled, you're ready to head to the Pima County Juvenile Court Center at 2225 E Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713. They are open M-F 7:45am-5pm. They do not take appointments so you pick a day and time that works for you. Allow yourself up to 6 hours (usually shorter) and it's best to arrive by 2pm to insure there's enough time. Bring a picture ID. When you enter the building you'll go through security and then turn left and head all the way to the end of the hall. Enter the office and tell the clerk at the desk that you are a minor requesting a Judicial Bypass. At this point they will ask you to fill out some paperwork while you wait. They contact a volunteer lawyer as well as a Guardian Ad Litem (someone who represents your best interests) who will come as soon as possible to meet you. When the lawyer and your GAL arrives, you will meet and talk with each of them and go over the questions you will be asked in the hearing. When a judge is available, you will all have the hearing. At the end of the hearing, the judge will grant (or deny, but rarely) your bypass and send you home with a document that you must present to the clinic at the time of your procedure. The Court is required to determine if you are mature and capable of making this decision or, if not, if having an abortion is in your best interest. In Arizona, you can get a Judicial Bypass order in any county and use it at any clinic in the state. For example, you can get it in Pima county and use it in Maricopa county. If granted the Judicial Bypass, you now have the option to have an abortion without parental involvement. You are not required to have the abortion, You can change your mind!
Interview Questions:
These are the types of questions you will be asked: Are you aware of existing alternatives to abortion, including adoption and parenting? How did you make the decision to have an abortion? Are you aware of how an abortion is done and do you understand the possible medical risks? You may be asked to describe the procedure or the risks to the judge. Does your partner know that you are pregnant? If so, how does your partner feel about the pregnancy? You are not legally obligated to tell your partner that you are pregnant. What kind of relationship do you have with your parents? Why are you unwilling or unable to talk to your parents about your pregnancy? What do you believe would happen if you told them? Do you have reason to believe they would react negatively? Do you work? If so, what are you responsible for in your job? Are you able to financially support yourself? Do you go to school? If so, are you a good student? How are you going to pay for the abortion? Do you know what would happen if you had a medical complication? Who would pay for your care? What are your future plans (school, job, etc.)? What do you know about birth control? Are you planning to use it in the future?