Teen Pregnancy Help Information

1. What is the legal age of consent/capacity (adulthood) in Maryland?

In Maryland, the age of majority is 18 years. This means individuals 18 or older are legally considered adults and have full legal capacity. This is codified in Md. Code Ann., General Provisions § 1-401. Peoples Law.org+5WomensLaw.org+5Westlaw+5National Center for Youth Law+2Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+2WomensLaw.org+2

2. Can a pregnant teen consent to her own medical treatment?

Yes. Under Md. Code Ann., Health-General § 20-102, a minor has the same capacity as an adult to consent to medical treatment if the minor:National Center for Youth Law+2Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+2Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+2

• Is married;

• Is the parent of a child;

• Is seeking treatment or advice about pregnancy (excluding sterilization);

• Is seeking treatment for or advice about contraception (excluding sterilization);

• Is seeking treatment for or advice about venereal disease;

• Is seeking physical examination and treatment of injuries from an alleged rape or sexual offense.Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+1Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+1Planned Parenthood | Official Site

Therefore, a pregnant teen can consent to her own medical treatment related to pregnancy. 

3. Can a teen’s parent force her to have an abortion if she doesn’t want one?

No. Maryland law requires that a parent or guardian be notified before a minor has an abortion, but does not require parental consent. Furthermore, a physician may waive the notification requirement if, in their professional judgment:National Center for Youth Law+3Care Net Pregnancy Center of Frederick+3umaryland.pressbooks.pub+3Guttmacher Institute+2National Center for Youth Law+2Peoples Law.org+2

• The minor is mature and capable of giving informed consent;

• Notification would not be in the minor's best interest;

• Notification may lead to physical or emotional abuse of the minor.National Center for Youth LawMetropolitan Family Planning Institute+1National Center for Youth Law+1

This is outlined in Md. Code Ann., Health-General § 20-103. Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+2National Center for Youth Law+2Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template+2

4. Can a teen’s parent force her to put her baby up for adoption if she doesn’t want to?

No. In Maryland, a minor parent has the legal right to make decisions regarding the adoption of her child without requiring parental consent. This includes the right to place the baby for adoption or to parent the child herself. Modern Family Formation

5. Can a parent “kick out” their teenage daughter if she is pregnant? Are they still legally required to provide food, clothing, and shelter? Do they have to do the same for the baby?

Parents are legally obligated to support their minor children, including providing food, clothing, and shelter, regardless of pregnancy status. This obligation continues until the child reaches the age of majority (18 years). While the law does not explicitly state the parents' obligations toward their minor child's baby, the primary responsibility for the baby's care rests with the minor parent. However, if the minor parent is unable to provide for the child, child welfare services may become involved to ensure the baby's needs are met.