Various Supreme Court decisions have held that judicial bypass is necessary if parental consent laws are to meet constitutional muster. SB 24 adds the required bypass. In other states, parental involvement laws have had a positive impact, reducing both the number of abortions and the number of teen pregnancies. During the first six years Minnesota's parental involvement law was in effect, the teen pregnancy rate fell 20.5 percent, teen abortions declined 27.4 percent, and the teen birth rate went down 12.5 percent. SB 24 also upholds the rights of parents, which are uniquely disregarded in the area of abortion.
Parental consent is required for virtually every medical procedure.
An exception should not exist for abortion. In Alaska, young people under age 18 are not considered mature enough to be served alcohol, buy cigarettes, or vote in elections. Even marriage is not permitted, unless a parent consents. But a teenager can obtain an abortion, even one paid for by the state, and the parents are not even required to be notified of that fact. Parental involvement laws are on the books in 38 states.