Abortion Access for Minors in Puerto Rico

1. What is the legal age of consent for minors to obtain an abortion in Puerto Rico?


The legal age of consent for minors to obtain an abortion in Puerto Rico is 18 years old.

2. What parental notification laws exist for minors seeking an abortion in Puerto Rico?


In Puerto Rico, parental notification laws exist for minors seeking an abortion. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, any minor younger than 18 years of age must obtain the written consent of at least one parent or guardian before they can receive an abortion. Minors may also choose to obtain a judicial bypass, which is when a judge grants permission for an unmarried minor to have an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian. The minor must prove that they are mature enough to make the decision on their own or demonstrate that an abortion is in their best interest.

3. Does Puerto Rico provide public funding for abortions for minors?


No, Puerto Rico does not provide public funding for abortions for minors.

4. What restrictions apply to minors seeking abortions in Puerto Rico?


Minors in Puerto Rico are unable to receive an abortion without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. In addition, the minor must be accompanied by an adult when seeking an abortion.

5. Does Puerto Rico require parental consent for minors to receive an abortion?


Yes. According to the Guttmacher Institute, minors in Puerto Rico must obtain parental consent prior to obtaining an abortion.

6. Are there exceptions to Puerto Rico’s parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions?


Yes, there are exceptions to Puerto Rico’s parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking abortions. A minor can obtain an abortion without parental consent or notification if a judge finds that the minor is mature enough to make an informed decision about the abortion, or if the minor’s health is in danger.

7. Does Puerto Rico require minors to receive counseling before having an abortion?


No. According to the Reproductive Freedom Project, minors in Puerto Rico do not need to receive counseling before having an abortion.

8. How long must a minor wait in Puerto Rico before an abortion can be performed?


In Puerto Rico, a minor must obtain consent from a parent or guardian before an abortion can be performed. If they cannot obtain consent, they can go through the judicial bypass process, which involves seeking approval from a judge. Generally, the process takes two to three weeks from the time the petition is filed.

9. Does Puerto Rico have any laws that restrict abortion access for minors?


Yes, Puerto Rico has laws that require parental consent for minors seeking abortions. Minors must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to obtain an abortion. If the minor cannot obtain parental consent, they may petition a judge for permission to have the procedure.

10. Is there a mandatory waiting period for minors to receive an abortion in Puerto Rico?


Yes, there is a mandatory waiting period of 24 hours before minors can receive an abortion in Puerto Rico.

11. Does Puerto Rico allow minors to refuse to notify their parents prior to having an abortion?


Yes, minors in Puerto Rico may refuse to notify their parents prior to having an abortion. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian however, and the guardian must provide written consent.

12. Do any local governments have regulations that limit access to abortion for minors in Puerto Rico?


Yes. The Puerto Rico Department of Health requires parental notification for minors seeking abortions. However, a court order may be granted that waives the parental notification requirement.

13. Are there any requirements that must be met by a physician before performing an abortion on a minor in Puerto Rico?


Yes. According to Puerto Rico Law, a physician must make sure that the minor has given her written consent, that she has been counseled on the risks and benefits of the procedure, and that a parent or guardian has been informed about the procedure. Additionally, the physician must also certify that the minor is mature and capable of making the decision to have an abortion.

14. What judicial bypass procedures exist in Puerto Rico for minors seeking abortions without parental consent or notification?


In Puerto Rico, judicial bypass is available for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification. To obtain a judicial bypass, a minor must file a petition for an order of judicial bypass in the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, and then appear for a hearing before the court. In order to obtain a judicial bypass, the minor must demonstrate that she is mature and capable of giving informed consent for an abortion, or that an abortion without parental consent or notification is in her best interests. Upon demonstrating these factors, the court will issue an order granting the minor the ability to obtain an abortion without parental consent or notification.

15. Does Puerto Rico allow any exceptions to its parental notification or consent laws for minors seeking abortions?


Yes, Puerto Rico does allow exceptions to its parental notification or consent laws for minors seeking abortions. In cases where the minor is unable to obtain parental consent or notification, or if they are in imminent danger of bodily harm, the minor can instead receive permission from a judge.

16. Does Puerto Rico require public schools to provide students with information about accessing abortion services?


No, Puerto Rico does not require public schools to provide students with information about accessing abortion services.

17. Is it possible for a minor to obtain an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian in Puerto Rico?


No, it is not possible for a minor to obtain an abortion without the knowledge or consent of a parent or guardian in Puerto Rico. According to Puerto Rico’s Abortion Law, minors must obtain written parental permission before undergoing an abortion.

18. Does Puerto Rico provide any resources or support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services?


Yes, Puerto Rico provides resources and support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services. The Puerto Rican government has enacted laws that allow minors to access abortion without parental consent or notification. Additionally, the government has established programs that provide education and support services for pregnant minors accessing abortion services, including counseling and financial assistance for medical and travel expenses.

19. Can healthcare providers be held liable in Puerto Rico for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification?


Yes, healthcare providers can be held liable in Puerto Rico for providing abortions to minors without parental consent or notification. In Puerto Rico, the law states minors must have parental consent to seek an abortion. If consent is not given, a court order must be obtained. If a healthcare provider performs an abortion without either of these, they may be held legally liable.

20. Are there any restrictions on insurance coverage of abortions for minors in Puerto Rico?


Yes. In Puerto Rico, private health insurance plans are prohibited from covering voluntary abortions for minors under the age of 18 without parental consent. Health plans provided by the government are only allowed to cover abortions in cases of medical necessity, rape, or incest.