In the Matter of Moe

Mary Moe petitioned in the Superior Court under G. L. c. 112, § 12S, as appearing in St. 1980, c. 240, for judicial consent to a first trimester abortion. A Superior Court judge held a hearing on July 17, 1981, in which he followed the procedures described in Standing Order No. 12-80 of the Superior Court Department.

Following the hearing, the judge made a finding that the petitioner, who is fourteen years old, was not sufficiently mature to give an informed consent to have an abortion. Findings of a judge in this kind of proceeding are entitled to no less deference than that which a reviewing…