You may have recently read stories about state lawmakers around the country trying to exploit the pandemic to force abortion providers to deprive citizens of safe and legal healthcare.
Let’s get this out of the way:
- Abortion is essential healthcare.
- Abortion providers in Pennsylvania are open serving patients.
- Staying open is best practice for public health.
From a joint statement issued March 18:
“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, together with the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society of Family Planning, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine banded together to release a statement emphasizing that medical experts do not support COVID-19 responses that cancel or delay abortion procedures.”
Judicial Bypass (Assisting a Minor)
Minors (people under 18 years old) in Pennsylvania, have the right to meet privately with a judge who can permit an abortion without telling their parents. This process is called a “judicial bypass.”
Everyone’s situation is different: some young people either cannot or don’t want to involve their parents or legal guardian in their decision to have an abortion.
WLP attorneys can represent minors in judicial bypass at no cost to the client.
Courts are temporarily closed except for emergencies, and judicial bypass hearings are emergency hearings. WLP is working with county courts of common pleas to prioritize public safety and adapt court procedures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
It is more important than ever that Pennsylvanian minors know they can turn to us for help because stay-at-home orders and social distancing can exacerbate interpersonal abuse, including child abuse, and enable surveillance. Clients do NOT need to pay us.
Learn more about judicial bypass in Pennsylvania here.
If you need legal information or assistance related to judicial bypass, call us and leave a message at 412-281-2892. Spanish-speaking support is available.
March 2020: Our physical offices are closed but we are OPEN and working to serve your needs. Contact us here.
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