You Can’t Be Forced

It is unlawful for anyone to make you have an abortion, even if you are a minor. In fact, forcing a minor to have an abortion is considered child abuse. If you are a minor being forced into making a particular decision, you can report it here or by calling the Child Protection Hotline at 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437). The call is free and the hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In some cases, pregnant women find that there are people in their lives who would prefer them not to be pregnant. You might find that your parents or other family members, your child's father, your employer, or your teacher do not want you to be pregnant or have a baby. Regardless of your age, no one can make you have an abortion or force you to end your pregnancy.

There are a number of different ways that someone may try to force you to end your pregnancy, such as:.

• Someone may try to intimidate you by threatening to hurt you or a loved one. If at any point, you feel that your safety or the safety of someone else is in danger, you should call 911 immediately.
• Someone might tell you that if you go through with your abortion, they will spread information about you, true or false, to embarrass you or hurt your reputation.
• Someone may tell you that you will lose your job or face consequences from your employer due to your pregnancy. The Louisiana Pregnancy Discrimination Law makes it illegal for your employer to fire you or punish you in any way because you are pregnant. If you feel that you have been or are being treated unfairly at your job because you are pregnant, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights. You can learn more at the Commission's website or by calling 225-342-6969.
• Someone may tell you that you will lose social assistance due to your pregnancy, but that is not true. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will not be denied because you are pregnant. You can learn more about social services available through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services by visiting dcfs.state.la.us or calling 888-LAHELPU (888-524-3578). These are also great resources to use should someone threaten that you will not be able to have this assistance.
• Someone may tell you that your educational scholarships will be in jeopardy due to your pregnancy, but this is not the case. If you have questions about financial aid/scholarships you are receiving or plan to receive, contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance at 225-219-1012 or visit osfa.state.la.us. You can also contact your school's financial aid office.
• Someone may try to tell you that you will lose financial support or housing due to your pregnancy, but some of this assistance is legally protected. There are public housing offices across the state that can help you learn more about the help available to you. Find one in your area.