(877) FLA-PATH 
Call the PATH Project helpline for free legal help.
The Path Project serves as an information and advocacy center for minors facing difficult pregnancy choices. We help teens under the age of 18 navigate the courts so that they can make decisions about their own reproductive health care.
If you've chosen to have an abortion, you may be wondering what to do next. There are several things to think about. First you'll need to find a doctor to perform the abortion. (See the section entitled "Find a Clinic.") Then you need to know that Florida has a parental notification law. "Parental notification" does not mean your parents have to give you permission. But if you're under 18, at least one parent or guardian must know in advance about your decision to have an abortion. The law requires that your doctor tell your parent or guardian before performing the abortion; however if this is not possible you may go to a judge instead and that option is discussed later in this section.
Florida law says that your doctor must tell one parent or legal guardian - either in person or over the phone - about your decision at least 48 hours before the abortion. If it's not possible to reach your parent by phone or in person, the doctor may send a letter.
You do not need to tell your parents about your decision to have an abortion, if:
We strongly encourage you to confide in a parent or someone you trust - like an aunt, cousin, older sister, or a friend's mom. You'll want to have support to help you cope with your emotions.
IF YOU NOTIFY YOUR PARENT:
If you notify your parent or legal guardian, it may make the process easier if he or she comes with you on the day of your appointment to terminate the pregnancy.
You should check with the clinic to see what you should bring to your appointment. They may want you to bring:
***You do not have to be a citizen of the United States to receive an abortion and Immigration Services will not be contacted ***
*** If you're undocumented and don't have a government-issued photo ID, just make sure you have something that proves your identity. ***
IF YOU CAN'T NOTIFY YOUR PARENT
You may have many reasons for not involving your parents in your decision to have an abortion. If you feel you can't discuss this decision with a parent or guardian, you have the right to have a lawyer represent you in court for free. You have the right to request permission from a court to end an unexpected pregnancy without telling one of your parents. The lawyer will help you request the court order and the court hearing will be confidential. Click here to learn more about how you can have an abortion without involving your parents.
People don't talk much about abortion and a lot of people hear things about it that may or may not be true. Before you have the procedure you will need to talk to experienced counselors at a clinic, but here is some information that will be helpful as you are considering this decision.
The Abortion Procedure
Most abortions are done between the 5th and 12th week of pregnancy but some can also do it later. However, you should know that after 12 weeks, the procedure will become more complicated and more expensive. The information below is not from any one specific clinic, but was put together as general information that applies to many, if not all, abortion clinics.
Some clinics can put you to sleep for the abortion, using general anesthesia. Others use only local pain medication. The type of medication you get can be a personal preference so you should ask the clinics what is available when you are calling for an appointment.
The standard method of performing an abortion is called vacuum aspiration or suction curettage. The doctor will do a pelvic exam - if you have had a PAP test before you are familiar with this process, if not, ask the doctor to talk you through what she or he is doing. Then the doctor will numb your cervix, which is the opening to your uterus. Next, the doctor will gradually stretch the opening of your cervix - the amount of stretching depends on how far along you are but it is not likely to be any bigger than the diameter of your thumb. While this is happening, you will feel some strong cramps, similar to what you might have with your period. Then the doctor will insert a smooth, blunt-tipped tube to gently suction the contents of your uterus. The suction machine might be noisy but your cramps will not get worse. You will also feel some pressure from the suction. This will last only a few minutes, then the procedure will be finished.
Most clinics will want you to stay in a recovery room after your abortion for anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of medication you get and their own policies. By the time you leave the clinic, your cramps should be very light or gone completely.
After an Abortion
Abortion is considered an extremely safe surgical procedure. Most women do have bleeding and cramping ranging from very light to heavy, for about two weeks after the procedure. The clinic will probably give you some medication to prevent infection and will also advise you about pain management for the cramps. They should also give you a 24-hour phone number that you can call in case you have questions or unexpected problems.
As with any type of surgery, there are possible complications associated with abortions; most are minor and easily treated. Possible complications include:
To reduce the risk of complications, you should always follow the instructions given by the clinic and call the clinic immediately if you experience symptoms of any complication.