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Parental Notification
Colorado law requires that any minor under 18 years old notify
her parents or other legal guardian of her intent to have an abortion. This
Notice contains information about the Parental Notification law in Colorado.
- The law requires that both parents be notified, unless you request that
only one parent be notified. A court-appointed guardian or foster parent is
considered your parent for purposes of this law.
- If you are living with a grandparent, adult aunt or adult uncle, they may
be notified rather than your parents.
- If you are at least 15 years old, living apart from your parents and
supporting yourself, or are married, you are emancipated and are not
required to notify your parents.
- If you voluntarily notify your parent(s)/guardian/relative, the law
requires that person to certify in writing that they have received notice.
If your parent will not be accompanying you to the procedure, we require
that a Certification of Notice be signed and a copy of your parent's
driver's license or other valid identification with signature be provided.
- If you would like us to notify your parent/guardian/relative, we will do
so to the person and at the address you provide, by certified mail. The law
requires that you wait 48 hours after the certified letter is mailed before
you receive abortion services.
- If you do not want to notify your parent/guardian/relative of your intent
to have an abortion, you may ask a judge to determine that you are mature
enough to make this decision alone, or that it is in your best interest to
not notify your parents. This process occurs quickly and no fees are
charged.
- You do not have to notify your parent/guardian/relative if you are the
victim of abuse or neglect by the parent/guardian/relative who would
otherwise be entitled to receive notice, but only if the abuse or neglect
has been reported to the proper authorities. If you tell us that you are the
victim of abuse or neglect we are required by law to report this to the
proper authorities.
- This law requires that parents be notified, however, it does not require
that parents consent to or approve of your decision to have an abortion.
Also, notification to your parents does not mean that your parents are
entitled to know any of your confidential medical information.
Planned Parenthood has resources to assist
you in this process and can be reached at (866) 277-2771.
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Comprehensive
Women's Health Center
