My younger sister wants to have an abortion. She's 17, and my parent don't know. We live in VA, and she has

Question

to face a judge to determine if she's mature enough to make that kind of decision. What kid of questions should she expect, and how strict is the judge's ruling. Also, if she fails to get judge's consent would she be able to go to another state to have it if they don't need parental consent or a judge's ruling?

Answer 1

The judge will probably want to review your sister's school grades, occupation status and will probably just ask her simple questions to spend time with her and understand how she is. He could ask questions about what she knows about abortion and et cetera. Of course, the judge's strictness will vary from judge to judge, but I would expect the worst for such a serious subject.

I, personally, do not know about going to another state. It could vary, some might stand by Virginia's ruling, while others might wish to hold another meeting. I really don't know.

I suggests that, regardless, she keeps the child until birth and then gives it up for adoption. Abortion can carry severe psychological consequences and while the child could delay her life and school career, I don't think it's worth the potential things. Many people who have gotten abortions 20 years ago or longer, have yet to recover from the impact and have, in essence, lost their entire lives. Regardless of her decision, her life will never be the same and hopefully she can come to terms with that.

And while I don't condone this, I hope things go well, but I ask that she thinks about this clearly and makes sure she knows exactly what she wants and knows what to expect following her decision.

Answer 2

Typically, the judge just asks her if she knows what pregnancy is and what it may result in, why she feels she wants an abortion, and why she could not risk telling her parents.

Most judges are sympathetic people. You can research their judgements ahead of time to see if they are harder than other judges. If you live in or near a large city, get a judge in that district.

If the judge does not give her permission, she can submit her paperwork in another district's court and see that judge. If she's running out of time and there is a state near you without parental consent, she may be able to travel there though you'll need to call ahead of time.

If there is a Planned Parenthood near you, you can call them and they can help you through the judicial bypass process. They may even have the number of an attorney who will work on your sister's case for free. She doesn't need an attorney but it always helps to have one in these cases.

Best of luck to you and your sister! This is a hard decision to make and a hard situation to be in. And, I have had an abortion, I don't regret the decision, and I have not experienced any problems. As long as your sister does not have a pre-existing health or mental health problem, she should be fine as well.

Is it at all possible to discuss this situation with your parents? She may be surprised at their level of support. Don't risk it though, if there is a possibility of abuse.

Peace,
Jenn

Answer 3

In Australia she would not need either parental consent or a judge's ruling. At sixteen she has the right to privacy over any medical problem. Why does she not go to the State where she can have the abortion without problems rather than face a judge in her State? If she doesn't ask for permission she won't be denied it.

Answer 4

I don't know the type of questions she will get, but the judge will most certainly be watching her body language to determine if she is telling the truth.

The judge will probably want to know why she doesn't want to share this information with your parents (i.e. abuse, incest, fundamentalist, etc.). The fact that she is 17 will probably play in her favor as she is almost considered an adult in the governments eyes.

Your sister should contact the nearest Planned Parenthood office, and ask if there is a counselor there to help her through this difficult time. They may be able to help her understand what to expect in the judges chambers.

She needs to state her case, factually, truthfully, and take a lot of deep breaths.

Good luck, you're gonna get a lot of people in this chat room berating her decision. Remember to support her through this, she may have a stronger reaction to the "loss" when it's all over than she expected, and she will need a shoulder to cry on.

Answer 5

Consider adoption. There are tons of people who are unable to conceive that would be great parents to the baby. She should give the child a chance at a happy life. It takes a really grown-up person to make that decision, and there will be times when she will doubt her decision, BUT the baby will be a live. She needs to talk to your parents and get help in this decision. She might have options open to her that she has not even considered because of the fact that she is so young. But I believe that people are born for a reason and babies pick their parents if she aborts the baby... then the baby is not getting a chance to full fill his/herdestiny which could be that he was meant to be with an adoptive family that could not have children theirselves. Think about it!

Answer 6

First of all, I would belive any ruling judge will be extremly hard on her and will most likely not give her the right to have an abortion. He will most likely tell her that she decided to have sex and did not think of the possible consequences and is now in this prediciment. Personally I do not think she should get an abortion, If she felt she was mature enough to have unprotected sex then she should be mature enough to carry a baby, at least to give it a chance to be someone elese child.

Also I dont belive any states, have legal abortion for minors, she would have to go to mexico to have this done with out any consent. But hopefully one day she will realize the mistake she made by killing a helpless child.

Answer 7

usually you can just go to a planned parenthood clinic and get an abortion, you dont have to get consent or anything like that, but I'm not sure if that goes for your state too or not. I'm in washington and my friend she had an abortion at 16 without having to get consent from her parents or a judge or anything like that.

Answer 8

i can't say i comprehend what to do, and your anger is very time-honored. Asking her if she would be in a position to pass on the pill now replaced right into somewhat insensitive because of the fact that's incredibly glaring she screwed up, this in all probability in simple terms made her sense worse. that's not my corporation, yet you do no longer point out your mom, so i think she's no longer on the scene for despite reason, so your sister is treating you because of the fact the mummy parent. perhaps you will possibly desire to think of roughly what's maximum suitable for you ? If she isn't your baby, you do no longer might desire to safeguard her, which you will pick to maintain your distance and permit her sink or swim, yet i'm guessing you care too plenty for her to try this. you will possibly prefer to think of of ways you will possibly desire to positioned far between you without taking flight your help thoroughly. perhaps she desires "annoying love". perhaps you will possibly desire to assert which you will purely help her if she comes to a decision to have some administration over her existence. attempt to no longer get on your ethical intense horse. do no longer anticipate her to coach remorseful approximately or eternal gratitude, it extremely isn't a question of stable and evil. She's no longer undesirable, she's in simple terms susceptible, and that's greater useful in case you help her to get solid. I prefer you capability too, seems such as you will possibly need it.