This bill requires physicians to notify parents, step-parents or legal guardians 48 hours before performing an abortion on a pregnant minor. HB 1900will be voted on by the full Senate next week, and if passed, will be sent back to the House for another vote to concur on changes made in the Senate. HB 1900 was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and was amended to remove the House language allowing for notification of grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings or clergy, instead of justparents. This bill now puts a stricter burden on minors accessing abortion services. In an abusive or violent family situation, disclosing a pregnancy or pregnancy termination can strain an already tense parental relationship, thereby increasing risk of harm for the minor.
Time is of the essence when considering abortion.
The cost of abortion significantly increases in the second trimester. Fewer providers perform second trimester procedures. Parental notification and judicial bypass procedures can be time-consuming, increasing physical and emotional risks. The American Medical Association opposes parental involvement laws because they deter minors from seeking necessary health care. Amendment No. 4 was stripped off of HB 1900 by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have allowed for notification of grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings or clergy in addition to parents, step-parents or legal guardians.