Emancipation FAQ

Q:  Jasmine's dad kicked her out of the house when he found out she was pregnant.  She has been staying in her car and with friends for the last three weeks.  Can Jasmine get emancipated so that she can consent to an abortion and find a place to live without involving her dad?

A:  No, probably not.  If Jasmine doesn't have a stable place to live, she'll have a very hard time convincing a judge that she meets all the requirements for emancipation (removal of disabilities of minority).  If Jasmine wants an abortion, she should apply for a judicial bypass waiver right away while she figures out what else to do.  A judicial bypass is MUCH faster and easier to get than emancipation.

Q:  Angela is going to college and living away from her family, but she is still under 18.  She is afraid that if her parents find out she is pregnant, they will make her leave school and come home to have the baby.  Can she get emancipated so that she can have an abortion without anybody finding out?

A:  No, probably not.  If Angela is under 18 and unmarried she is still considered a minor and needs either parental consent or a judicial bypass to have an abortion, even if she is done with high school, going to college, or living away from home.  If someone else is supporting Angela financially (like if her parents are helping her pay for college), she does not qualify to be emancipated (to have her disabilities of minority removed).

Q:  Karla's mother went back to Mexico, but left Karla living with her older sister in Texas so she could finish school here.  Her sister signs the papers for Karla's school and other medical appointments without any problems, but the abortion clinic said Karla had to have a parent's signature.  Karla doesn't know how to get in touch with her father.  Can she get emancipated so she can sign for herself?

A:  No.  If Karla's sister (or anyone else) helps support her, Karla does not qualify to be emancipated (to have her disabilities of minority removed).  Karla can still get a judicial bypass to have an abortion without a parent's signature.