Minor women obtaining abortions: a study of parental notification in a metropolitan area

Data were collected from 141 women under age 18 attending an abortion clinic that did not require parental notification. Most of them informed their girl friend but not their parents of the plans for abortion. Younger minors and those who perceive their parents to hold positive attitudes toward abortion were more apt to inform parents. Reasons for not informing parents included fears of physical retaliation. Implications for parental notification legislation are discussed.