Some states require a waiting period – a delay of hours or days – before a pregnant person can have an abortion in that state.
**Massachusetts does not require you to go through a waiting period before getting an abortion.**
**If you are under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must give you permission to get an abortion.** If getting the permission of a parent or legal guardian is not an option for you, you can seek a judicial bypass. A judicial bypass allows you to waive the requirement for parental involvement.
If you are a minor in Massachusetts and would like free legal support to help you navigate the judicial bypass process, call Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts at [617-616-1636](tel:6176161636) to speak with a patient navigator. Make sure to tell them you need help getting a judicial bypass.
Abortion in Massachusetts is banned after 26 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy.
**Exceptions that may allow you to get an abortion in Massachusetts after 26 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy**
* To save the pregnant person's life
* To preserve the pregnant person's general health (can include mental health)
* If the fetus has suffered or will suffer from serious health issues during the pregnancy
