CA Laws & Youth Rights

• Proposition 1 solidified a person's right to an abortion in the state constitution

• Pregnant people can get an abortion until the time the fetus is viable which means it is likely to survive outside the uterus without extraordinary medical measures 

• Only qualified medical providers are allowed to perform legal abortions and if an abortion is performed outside the legal parameters, there may be criminal charges

• The overturning of Roe vs. Wade does not affect a person's right to abortion care in California

• Pregnant people under 18 have the same right to an abortion as adults do 

• You have the right to make your own decisions about your healthcare. You do not need permission from a caregiver, parent, or any adult for these services: 

  • • Birth control or condoms, pregnancy testing/care

    • Abortions

    • STI testing, treatment, or prevention (only ages 12 and above without permission)

• Before you receive health care, you have the right to ask your doctor to explain who can't receive your medical information

• If you receive sexual or reproductive health care, your doctor is NOT ALLOWED to share information with your parents, caregivers, social worker, group home, or probation officer without your WRITTEN consent. (Note: there are some exceptions in cases of harm or potential harm to a person under 8, this requires a mandated report to ensure safety)

• CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL RELEASE (Education Code section 48205)

  • • Requires school officials to excuse students to leave school for confidential medical appointments, like an abortion, WITHOUT the school alerting guardians in any way. (e.g. automated phone call home)

*Most youth involve a trusted adult when making health decisions, but some may not feel safe doing so.