Pregnant 12 year old threatens suit to carry to term despite parents wishes

[rug]

55. Here's some information.

Minor’s Rights

A minor’s rights in Vermont are the same regardless of whether the choice is to have an abortion or
carry the child to term.

• In Vermont, a minor 14 years old or older can petition the court for a guardian if she is having a
dispute with her parents over her pregnancy.
• A minor has the right to decide to abort her pregnancy or carry it to term.
• Parents are not legally allowed to insist that a minor child give her baby up for adoption.
• The Vermont Department of Child and Family Services (DCF) may become involved if the minor
has been abused or neglected, or is unmanageable.

There are no laws that require a minor in Vermont to obtain her parents’ permission in
order to get an abortion. However, since parents have legal authority over most of their
children’s health care decisions, individual doctors might have various practices about sharing the
minor’s health information with her parents.

If this is a concern for you, be sure to ask whether or not you will be seen confidentially
and whether your medical records will be provided to your parents before choosing an
abortion or birth control provider.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Vermont does not regulate crisis pregnancy centers. There is no state oversight to ensure they provide
accurate information regarding pregnancy and abortion. Crisis Pregnancy Centers do not provide
abortion services or referrals for abortion services. They can assist you if you are pregnant, in need of
support, and have made the choice to carry your pregnancy to term.

http://women.vermont.gov/sites/women/files/pdf/Chapter%2012%20Reproductive%20Rights.pdf

http://www.guttmacher.org/datacenter/profiles/VT.jsp

http://www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_OMCL.pdf