Abortion if you are under 18?
Practically, this means that your mother must, for example, go to the doctor so that she can sign a request for an abortion. However, in certain cases you can have an abortion even if your parents or your guardian will not give permission for the abortion.
For some, it can be difficult to tell their parents about the pregnancy. Many are afraid that the parents will be angry and disappointed. However, it is important to remember that very often parents want to help and support, even if they may be frightened or angry at first.
Therefore, it can help if you tell your parents about your uncertainty and that you need their support and help.
Who can have an abortion without parental consent?
There must be compelling reasons before women under the age of 18 are granted permission to have an abortion without parental consent.
For example:
- if, due to disagreements, there has been no contact between the girl and the parents for a long time
- if contact cannot be made with the parents because they have moved away or disappeared
- if there are definite reasons to believe that the parents' reaction will entail a serious risk that the girl will suffer physical or psychological harm
How to apply for an abortion without parental consent
If you want an abortion without your parents knowing, you can contact your doctor, your hospital or the secretariat of abortion consultation in your region.
Everyone has a duty of confidentiality, and no-one will say anything to your parents. The abortion council can also give permission for an abortion if your parents are opposed to you having an abortion.
After you have spoken to a doctor, you will be scanned to determine how far along in your pregnancy you are. Subsequently, a doctor will contact the abortion consultation in your region, and you will be called in for an interview with a social worker or psychiatrist.
Interviews typically take place at a hospital in your region. Ask your doctor.
When will the decision be made?
After the interviews, your application for abortion will be processed in the abortion consultation. Your application is usually processed within a week. You will receive an answer as soon as possible.
When will you be notified of the decision?
After the interviews, your application for abortion will be processed in your region's abortion consultation. Your application is usually processed within a week. You will receive an answer as soon as possible.
If you receive permission for an abortion, you will be given an appointment at the hospital as soon as possible.
If your application is rejected, you can appeal the rejection to the abortion appeals board in the Swedish Agency for Patient Safety, which makes a decision within a few days. To appeal a refusal, you must call the secretariat of the abortion consultation in your region and tell them you want to appeal the decision.
You can find the secretariat of your regional abortion consultation here.
Your first pelvic examination?
