A person under 18 in Ohio can get an abortion either by: 1. Getting permission from your parent or guardian in writing OR 2. Having a judge say that the abortion can proceed without having to tell or get permission from a parent, guardian or custodian, this process is known as a judicial bypass.

Young folks have the legal right to get pregnancy testing without having to tell their parents or get permission from their parents if the clinic receives federal funding such as Planned Parenthood. Each clinic may have different policies so it is good to ask when making your appointment.

Young folks have the legal right to receive contraceptives (including emergency contraception) without having to tell their parents or get permission from their parents from clinics that receive federal funding. Each clinic may have different policies so it is good to ask when making your appointment.

Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, is a type of contraception and should be treated the same as other contraceptives legally. EC can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex or sexual activity. However, EC is most effective when taken ASAP. The National EC Hotline (1-888-NOT-2-LATE or www.not-2-late.com) offers information on EC options and doctors who can give them to patients. Minors don’t need to tell their parents or get permission from their parents to get EC, and private services may be provided. AFO partners with more than 20 community groups to distribute free EC throughout Ohio, and info on this program can be found on our EC page here!.

Minors have the legal right to private evaluation and treatment of any sexually transmitted infection. Doctors at clinics are required to report incidents of STIs to the Director of Health, where the report will remain private. In addition, the state makes patients tell anyone they have had sex or any sexual activity that they have the STI.

Minors may consent to testing and counseling for HIV, including anonymous HIV testing. Ohio law requires that anyone who is tested for HIV will speak with someone before and after the test. The conversation must include a verbal or written explanation of the test and testing process and a verbal or written explanation of the nature of AIDS and AIDS-related conditions. If necessary, the patient can be referred for further conversations. IMPORTANT: Patients’ HIV test results may be disclosed to the patient’s parent or legal guardian or the patient’s doctor. Additionally, the state requires that a patient with HIV tell all the people they want to have sex with, their spouse, or person(s) the patient has had sex or sexual activity with. Not telling these people about your HIV status can be a crime with serious consequences.

Judicial bypass is the most common way for a minor to get an abortion without telling or getting permission from their parent, guardian, or custodian. This process involves the minor getting a judge to say they’re mature and informed enough to make the decision or that telling their parents or getting permission from them is not in their best interests. AFO’s Legal Program can help connect minors to a lawyer who can help them through this process.

A minor can agree or give permission for health services that they may need from criminal sexual assault or abuse. Such services may include emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, counseling and treatment for STIs. The minor may also agree to/allow the use of a kit that gets any evidence from a sexual assault from the minor’s body. IMPORTANT: The doctor MUST give written notice to a parent or guardian that the medical check up has taken place, and there may be a requirement to report the assault under Ohio law.

In cases of emergency, you do not need to say or write permission for medical care. Emergency means a situation where the medical care is necessary to save the minor’s life or the parent or guardian is not available and waiting for them would risk the minor’s life or health.

Minors aged 12 and older may agree to and allow private diagnosis or treatment of any illness caused by using too much drugs or alcohol. Ohio law protects the privacy of any information of a patient who was seen and/or treated for using too much drug or alcohol.

Minors aged 14 and older may give permission for their own mental health services, but not to overnight treatment or staying at a mental health center. Doctors who do mental health treatments CANNOT tell a parent or guardian of the minor’s treatment without the minor’s permission, unless the provider believes that telling the parent or guardian is necessary (for example, if the minor is actively suicidal or homicidal). Mental health counseling or psychotherapy sessions are limited to six sessions or 30 days until the doctor gets permission from the parents to continue the therapy or other treatment.

If a minor is legally married, AND has their own job and income, AND has their own place to live, they can consent to ALL healthcare evaluation and treatment, without getting permission from their parent or guardian.

A minor who is prosecuted as an adult and is in a state prison, detention center, or jail is considered emancipated (able to make their own decisions without getting permission from their parents) when they go to a doctor for medical treatment.

A minor in state care (e.g ward of the state, foster care, etc) can give permission to have private reproductive healthcare under the same rules as any other minor. In any situation where a parent or guardian’s permission is required, the doctor must get permission from the county or state worker who works with or lives with the minor.