Senate Democrats pushed through an after-hours bill Oct. 26 to repeal parental notification of abortion in Illinois, despite Republican lawmakers taking a strong stand for parental rights in assuring the physical and mental well-being of their minor children.
State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said House Bill 370 is a direct attack on parental rights and will leave countless young girls vulnerable at a time when they desperately need support and guidance. The bill passed by a vote of 32-22.
The Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995 requires that parents of minors be notified before their child receives an abortion procedure. Currently, the law simply stipulates that a parent be informed of the procedure. Parents are not required to provide consent.
Tracy issued the following statement after the vote:
“My office has been receiving letters and e-mails from people across the state, who are very concerned about repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. I share their concerns. Every parent or guardian has the responsibility to provide for the health and safety of their children. Most parents have had to write a note or make a phone call to their child’s school to allow basic medications like ibuprofen or aspirin to be taken at school. If we take such care in situations like that, how do we justify doing away with parental notification of abortions?
“A pregnant 14-year-old girl does not have the emotional maturity to make these difficult decisions, which will have lifelong consequences no matter what choice she makes. Parents have a right to be involved and an important role to play when their children are making important medical decisions, especially if those medical decisions will change their lives. Parents should be able to help their children get access to counseling and mental health services in the instance of a traumatic event like this.”
