Document: 497 U.S. 502 110 S.Ct. 2972 111 L.Ed.2d 405 OHIO, Appellantv.AKRON CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH et al. No. 88-805. Argued Nov. 29, 1989. Decided June 25, 1990. Syllabus As enacted, Ohio's Amended Substitute House Bill 319 (H.B. 319) makes it a crime for physician or other person to perform an abortion on unmarried, unemancipated, minor woman, unless, inter alia, the provides timely notice one of minor's parents juvenile court issues order authorizing consent. To obtain judicial bypass requirement, must present clear and convincing proof that she has sufficient maturity information make decision herself, her engaged in pattern physical, emotional, sexual abuse against her, is not best interests. Among things, H.B. also allows give constructive if actual parent proves impossible "after reasonable effort"; requires file complaint prescribed forms; appoint guardian ad litem attorney retained counsel; mandates expedited hearings decisions review by appeals; authorization consent either fails act fashion; specifies both courts maintain anonymity confidentiality all papers. Shortly before 319's effective date, appellees—an facility, its doctors, woman seeking there—and others filed facial challenge statute's constitutionality Federal District Court, which ultimately issued injunction preventing enforcement. The Court Appeals affirmed, concluding various provisions were constitutionally defective. Held: judgment reversed. 854 F.2d 852 (CA6 1988), Justice KENNEDY delivered opinion with respect Parts I, II, III, IV, that, face, does impose undue, otherwise unconstitutional, burden abortion. Pp. 510-519. 1. accords this Court's cases addressing parental statutes abortioncon text. Planned Parenthood Central Mo. v. Danforth, 428 52, 96 2831, 49 788; Bellotti Baird, 443 622, 99 3035, 61 797; H. L. Matheson, 450 398, 101 1164, 67 388; Assn. Kansas City, Mo., Inc. Ashcroft, 462 476, 103 2517, 76 733; Akron Center Reproductive Health, Inc., 416, 2481, 687. 510-517. (a) Whether Fourteenth Amendment statutes, as opposed contain procedures, procedure because meets requirements identified Bellotti, more intrusive particularly four criteria set forth principal supra, at 643-644, S.Ct., 3048-3049 (opinion Powell, J.). First, statute satisfies requirement be allowed show without regard parents' wishes. Second, requiring authorize upon determining interests where shown abuse, even cannot would Third, ensure satisfied, since prohibits from notifying complainant pregnant wants state preserve papers, law any employee disclose documents designated public records. Neither mere possibility unauthorized, illegal disclosure employees nor fact forms require provide identifying administrative purposes dispositive. Complete critical under decisions, takes steps prevent learning identity. Fourth, time limits action satisfy conducted expedition. Even if, appellees contend, could take up 22 calendar days, including weekends legal holidays, suffice invalidate face. See, e.g., 477, n. 4, 491, 16, 2518, 2525, 16. 510-514. (b) need extended imposing appellees' suggested additional procedures. rendered unconstitutional do affirmative event within limits. Absent showing those will ignored, State may expect judges follow mandated procedural requirements. Moreover, 479-480, 2519-2520, provisions, added Ohio out abundance caution concern such violate due process placing heightened, evidence standard proof. Powell 634, 3043, indicated bear these issues. heightened when, here, contemplates ex parte proceeding no opposes testimony assisted litem. statutory scheme deny unwary unrepresented opportunity prove case choose among three forms, first relates only maturity, second interests, third both. assuming some initial confusion, unlikely treat choice care understanding status. binding election form choice, appointed counsel after filing move amend pleadings. 514-517. 2. gives substantive, state-law liberty property right "to avoid unnecessary hostile involvement" deprive process, pleading requirements, standard, are valid their 517-518 3. facially invalid simply given rather than qualified person. Since superior ability garner use important medical psychological data supplied receiving notice, himself notify parent. See 400, 411, 1166, 1172. In addition, conversation experienced detached assist approaching problem mature balanced way thereby enable him better advice less Any imposition physician's schedule diminished allowing mail he reach effort" forgo certain emergencies, constitute adequate recognition his professional Akron, 446-449, 2501-2503, distinguished. 518-519. KENNEDY, joined THE CHIEF JUSTICE, WHITE, SCALIA, concluded Part V constitutes rational further legitimate ends. A free enlightened society decide each members should attain clearer, tolerant profound philosophic choices confronting considering abortion, affect own destiny dignity origins human life embryo. It fair conclude most instances, beginnings family, strive lonely terrified compassionate mature. 519-520. STEVENS, agreeing applications, one-parent reasonably State's interest protecting welfare citizens. question whether so obviously inadequate exceptional situations entire invalidated await implementation evaluation significance restrictions light administration. mechanism avoiding notification 441, 31, 2498, 521-523. J., announced REHNQUIST, C.J., O'CONNOR, JJ., joined, V, WHITE joined. concurring opinion, post, p. 520. part judgment, 521. BLACKMUN, dissenting BRENNAN MARSHALL, 524. Rita S. Eppler, Columbus, Ohio, appellant. Linda R. Sogg, Cleveland, appellees. IV , SCALIA join. held exceptions, performing absent woman's approval. We reverse, we determine our precedents STEVENS O'CONNOR join opinion. context Amendment. 1 * A. 2 Legislature, November 1985, enacted 319), amended Rev.Code Ann. § 2919.12 (1987), created §§ 2151.85 2505.073 (Supp.1988). Section 2919.12(B), cornerstone legislation, criminal offense, except specified circumstances, unmarried unemancipated 18 years age. 2919.12(D) (making offense misdemeanor subsequent offenses felonies); 2919.12(E) (imposing civil liability). 3 circumstances relate "at least twenty-four hours telephone," (or custodian) intention 2919.12(B)(1)(a)(i). physician, alternative, adult brother, sister, stepparent, grandparent, relative affidavit stating fears sexual, severe emotional parents. 2919.12(B)(1)(a)(i), 2919.12(B)(1)(b), 2919.12(B)(1)(c). If effort," forty-eight notice" ordinary certified mail. 2919.12(B)(2). consented writing. 2919.12(B)(1)(a)(ii). 4 fourth depend just described. parent's consent, 2919.12(B)(1)(a)(iii), appeals, inaction, 2919.12(B)(1)(a)(iv). 5 court, (1) pregnant; (2) age, unemancipated; (3) desires have parents; (4) intelligent interests; (5) attorney. 2151.85(A)(1)-(5). Supreme discussed below, use. App. 6-14. 6 hold hearing earliest possible time, but later fifth business day files complaint. 2151.85(B)(1). render immediately conclusion hearing. Ibid. Failure results At represent counsel. 2151.85(B)(2). allegation evidence, 2151.85(C), conduct complainant, keeping papers confidential. 2151.85(D), (F). 7 review. days appeal, clerk shall deliver appeal record appeals. 2505.073(A). appeals dockets receipt items. brief docketing. oral argument, five docketing issue argument. waives comply limits, B 8 Appellees include facility abortions; Max Pierre Gaujean, M.D., who performs abortions Center; Rachael Roe, sought facility. March 1986, date 319, brought United States Northern Ohio. proceedings, preliminary permanent enforcing statute. Health Rosen, 633 F.Supp. 1123 (1986). 9 Sixth Circuit had six constitutional defects. These points, related sufficiency guarantee anonymity, personal obligation Slaby, (1988). 28 U.S.C. 1254(2) (1982 ed.), prob. juris. noted, 492 916, 109 3239, 106 586 (1989), challenges Appeals' entirety. seek affirmance grounds adopted grounds. II 10 decided context. 788 (1976); 797 (1979); 388 (1981); 733 (1983); 687 (1983). accord Constitution, consistent them. 11 This dispute turns, large extent, adequacy procedure. analyzing aspect dispute, note although required procedures 413, 1174, 25 (upholding applied immature, dependent minors). leave open, because, Akron. Danforth established another having absolute veto power over sort elects U.S., 74, 2843. today Hodgson Minnesota, 417, 2926, 344 corollary greater intrusiveness 17, 1172, 17 (notice equivalent they anyone decision). 12 stated satisfy. contend criteria. disagree. allow possesses decision, consultation 643, 3048 reaffirmed holding presume immaturity girls age 15. 440, 2497. now us, difficulty conformity Bellotti. permits "is sufficiently well enough informed intelligently abortion." 2151.85(C)(1) 13 "the desired interests." 644, 3049. believe language quoted. determines abuse. 2151.85(C)(2). 14 insure anonymity. standard. 2151.85(D) "[t]he [juvenile] parents, guardian, custodian 2151.85(F) states: 15 "Each section manner complainant. records pertain commenced kept confidential records." 16 2505.073(B), similar fashion, appeal. State, 102.03(B), 102.99(B). argue Unless counsel, sign initiate and, supply name different places. 6-14 (pleading forms). prefer protections included reviewed Ashcroft. protected permitting pseudonym, see League Massachusetts 641 1006, 1025 (CA1 1981), Ashcroft petition initials, laws irrelevant broader officials reveal one's identity large. Confidentiality differs distinction played previous taken setting find complete critical. like refuse base validity employees. many sophisticated participants purposes, disclosure. 19 expedition noted above, trial "business day[s]" complaint, 2151.85(B)(1); docket "days" 2505.073(A); ibid. 20 assumed references 2151.85(B)(1) 2505.073(A) meant days. Cf. Rule App.Proc. 14(A) (excluding nonbusiness computations seven days). They calculated, result, during year needed encompass Saturdays, Sundays, holidays. maintain, basis record, 3-week delay increase substantial measure costs risks 18. conclude, did courts, opinion's requirement. 21 matter, 22-day calculation conflicts two well-known rules construction elsewhere. "Where fairly possible, construe danger unconstitutionality." 493, 2527 Although recognize federal " 'are schooled able interpret respective States' we, Frisby Schultz, 487 474, 482, 108 2495, 2501, 420 (1988), strikes us dubious. Interpreting term mean instead seems inappropriate express contrasting making statute, "no exists Act valid." Webster Services, 490, 524, 3040, 3060, 410 (1989) (O'CONNOR, concurring). based worst-case analysis never occur. (Supp.1988) (allowing motion, shorten extend periods). precedents, rare plainly insufficient example, upheld Missouri contained plus deliberation decisionmaking appellate levels. 2519, ask effect, used Members following 2151.85(B)(1), 2505.073(A), 2919.12(B)(1)(a)(iv) (1987 Supp.1988). speculate absence when deter acting. 23 discern defect demonstrated defiance, There limitations imposed ignored. With caution, met. represents can documentation occurred. Brief Appellant 36. safety net provided. 24 rule evidence. seeks individual itself risk error. Santosky Kramer, 455 745, 755, 102 1388, 1395, 71 599 (1982). violates minor, contention lacks merit. indicates facts moreover, testimony. acceptable. stated: 26 "Clear degree produce mind trier firm belief conviction allegations established. intermediate, being preponderance, extent certainty beyond doubt cases. unequivocal." Cross Ledford, 161 St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118, 123 (1954) (emphasis deleted). 27 Our lower Given courtroom litem, infirm Constitution. create trap unwary. forms. 2151.85(C) (Supp.1988); alleges She attempt unless chooses form, facts. complications opportunity, 3048-3049. 29 assumption confusion few minors pleading, simple straightforward case. form. receives 2151.85(B)(2); Juvenile Proc. 22(B); Hambleton G. Barry Corp., St.3d 179, 183-184, 465 1298, 1302 (1984) (finding liberal amendment policy rules). Regardless written simpler survives challenge. III 30 inquiry end conforms substantive demonstrate favor deprives alleged lack unfair. Mathews Eldridge, 424 335, 893, 903, 47 (1976). merit 31 dictates minimal process. little erroneous deprivation safeguards. reasons described, place types presented. parte. ensures judge special deciding proceed notification. final definite deadlines, (Supp.1988), provision, comports 32 Appellees, entirety found attending counseling relevant 2501-2503. disapprove informing health explained ensuring unpressured; factor obtains necessary person, whom it." Id., 448, 2502. reason 33 however, failed consider precedent matter. upheld, 1166. between routine ample justification; counselors about general contest notice. continue herself often physician. Matheson: 34 "The medical, consequences serious lasting; patient immature. An history Parents data, refer sources history, family physicians, physicians data." 1172 (footnote omitted). 35 minor. respond complex philosophical dimensions access ideal case, way. benefit child through persons. 36 schedule, authorization, evaluated scheme. send 2919.12(B)(2) 2919.12(C)(2). On challenge, unobjectionable. 37 sum, believe, legislature acted enacting 319. confronted Her embrace dignity, lie entitled assume people, society's intimate association. here say step regulating professions cases, young receive guidance uphold face reverse Appeals. 38 ordered. 39 concurring. 40 I agree neither contradicts holdings regarding said my separate concurrence last Term Constitution contains longstanding traditions society, logically deduced text Constitution—not, is, volunteering answer nonjusticiable begins. Leaving matter political legally correct, pragmatically so. That alone—and lawyerly dissection federaljudicial precedents—can compromises satisfying mass electorate deeply felt cease distorting remainder democratic disruptive intrusion into field soon possible. 41 judgment. 42 emphasizes, challenged H.L. 422-423, 1177-1178, (1981) (STEVENS, judgment). interest. cause realistic physical harm trauma ill parent, unrelated recognizes providing bypass. protection invalidated. am willing been implemented therefore reversed, I-IV opinion.1 correctly states specific save ante, 510. have, squarely preabortion involving unconstitutional. bypass, 43 (1983), city argued ordinance was saved invoke same 2526, (1983) J.), provision avoided infirmities rejected argument filed. Writing Justices, author explained: 44 "Even approval 'proper . surgical care' refused care, emancipated completely involvement demonstrating satisfaction capable exercising contrary, notified once filed, [Ohio Rev. Code Ann.] 2151.28 [ (Supp.1982) ], [101 1176-1177] (POWELL, concurring); id., 428, 1181, 3] (MARSHALL, dissenting)." 31. 45 Thus, while interests—and, indeed, preferable mechanism—the made 46 standards states, bound 517, functions "safety net" deadlines met, 515, confidentiality, 512-513. supported presumption interests: unreasonable 517-518, overcome Parham J.R., 442 584, 610, 2493, 2508, (1979) ("[P]resumption child" what commitment proceeding).2 procedure, expedite good cause, 515 (citing (Supp.1988)), sensitive administration unwarranted. tension treating personally patient. One overlook motivated legislative obstacles path Maher 432 464, 97 2376, 2382-2383, 53 484 (1977), genuine fostering decisionmaking. "reasonable steps" contribute Ante, Accordingly, unable 48 MARSHALL join, dissenting. "control quintessentially intimate, personal, life-directing carry fetus term," 538, 3067, part), "not come magically attains state-defined majority. Minors, adults, possess rights." 2843, 435, 2937, ("[T]he unjustified extends women"). "has recognized somewhat authority regulate activities children adults," doing so, nevertheless there "significant conditioning adult." 74-75, 2843-2844 added). "Any independent termination daughter's pregnancy weighty privacy competent become pregnant." 75, 2844. 50 ways minority. unique nature especially particular sensitivity legislates foster matter." 642, 3047, J.) added) (Bellotti ). "[P]articular sensitivity" "there denying grave indelible." obvious "considering probable education, employment skills, financial resources, unwanted motherhood exceptionally burdensome minor." 51 insensitivity upholds. Rather judicial-bypass system reflects dealing tortuous maze. utterly significant deliberately exercise terminate pregnancy. merely "poorly disguised elements discouragement decision." Thornburgh American College Obstetricians Gynecologists, 476 747, 763, 2169, 2180, 90 779 52 majority parental-notice concludes "meets Akron." vulnerability dependency "unique decision," consequences, tantamount parental-consent practical deterrent effect 420, 9, 1188, (concurring opinion). Thus II. Because disagree complies progeny, strike down "A [judicial-bypass] either: independently wishes; independently, purports stage along way, places "substantial state-created [minor's] abortion," 10, 2384, hope stumble, perhaps fall, "conquer multi-faceted obstacle course" Dellinger & Sperling, Abortion Court: Retreat Roe Wade, 138 U.Pa.L.Rev. 83, 100 (1989). considers piecemeal acknowledging assessing "degree regime regulations places" 54 course begins enters courthouse fill 'procedural trap,' appropriately described Appeals, 852, 863 maturity; 6-11. Only both, 12-13, 2151.85(C)(3) acknowledges might "some confusion" unsophisticated trying deal unfamiliar mystifying intensely 516-517. points "may pleadings" avers "seems care." Legislature's word, intended meaningful. analyzed effect. prevents 55 elucidate barricade woman—a "serve confuse heighten anxiety." Thornburgh, 762, 2179. justification put forward "absurd '[a]ny claiming [the appropriate subsection].' F.2d, 863, quoting 86-3664 (CA6), 43. proffered "justification" harsh noted. excludes intellectual capacity understand tangled spurns immature abused contends Surely, goal assist, entrap, woman. 56 "streamlining" claims, belatedly asserted absurd. ludicrous confound forced go crisis life, alternative rescinded replaced valid. ridiculous leaves judge's discretion resolution vital turn comport declaration "fails permitted 647-648, 3050 57 attempts labyrinth encounters yet obstruction completed insisted "must assure issue, follow, ." statement idle stems proposition Due Process Clause protects "independently privately." Hodgson, 434, 2936. zone long "individual matters." Whalen 429 589, 599, 869, 876, 64 (1977). safeguard right. Far anonymous, full 512 "Unless places"). Acknowledging "[c]onfidentiality anonymity," asserts "complete anonymity" "critical." 513. easy irreconcilable definition "anonymous" named identified." Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 88 then, appears kind possibly have. admits less. 512, citing 1981) (pseudonym); (initials). 766, 2181 private assures anonymity"). 58 documents, blithely "mere employees" establish protected. fact, duty amount "generally principles confidentiality." Gynecologists 737 283, 297 (CA3 1984), aff'd grounds, pointed out, indications how clerk's office, small, distinguished available public. 1123, 1143-1144 (ND 1986). (minor proceeds pseudonym containing separate, sealed file). Nor measures sealing closed availability; Atlanta Area, Harris, 670 971, 991 Ga.1987) (noting disapproval Georgia sealed). aware taken, press Florida Star B.J.F., 491 2603, 105 (reporter police room copied report published article rape victim's name). offered failure guidelines followed minor—even though juveniles adjudicated delinquent unruly. 2151.358 (1976) (detailed expungement record). 59 necessarily reluctant known publicly." 2182. whose very purpose going abusive alarmed signing Generalized statements concerning small comfort, True essential effective, meaningful actually with, assurances ring hollow. permit force waiver parental-notification C 60 "pregnant adolescent aborting, effectively expires weeks onset pregnancy," assure" "resolution obtained." J.); 412, 1172-1173 (time essence consume Circuit, span length 868; F.Supp., 1143. also, 656 879, 887-888 (ED Pa.1987) (statutory unconstitutional); Glick McKay, 616 322, 326-327 (Nev.1985). unconcerned case." 514. "rarity" event, learn until late trimester, lost trimester 867-868. ignores surrounding advances push risks, economic costs, regulation dramatically. 113, 150, 163, 93 705, 725, 731-732, 147 (1973); 439, 1187, (dissenting likely women,1 usually financially independent, suffer acutely delay. 497-498, 2528-2529 part) (an increased cost seem insignificant comfortable perspective," "equally insignificant" unemployed teenager" reach). limit significantly conclusions command speed "an J.).2 D 62 fail frame, "constructively" authorized. Legislature result constructive-authorization add proceeding, damages, penalties, imprisonment, revocation license disobeying commands, formal relief penalties. 2919.12(D), 2919.12(E), 4731.22(B)(23). argues combination date-stamped copy "docket sheet entry" inform proceed. Yet, entry court's hardly reassuring facing dire offers why nebulous envisioned "in conjunction strict liability chilling willingness abortions. Colautti Franklin, 439 379, 396, 675, 686, 596 (1979). "practical effect" 'pocket approval' frustrate expedient disposition petition. 868. E 63 wend intricate preliminaries reaches shackles tightly still "extra layer 66, 2839. "clear evidence" her; 2151.85(C). unduly burdens demonstrates fundamental misunderstanding real court-bypass proceeding. function 'instruct factfinder confidence thinks correctness factual conclusions,' Addington Texas, 441 418, 423, 1804, 1808, 323 (1979), re Winship, 397 358, 370, 1068, 1075-1076, 368 (1970) opinion), "a societal error distributed litigants." By stringent proof, improperly stake. 756, 1396 (clear employed fairness variety government-initiated proceedings threaten involved liberty). satisfied interest, additionally finds convincing" 65 516. According majority, preponderance weight unsuited presents all, opposition, always inquisitorial nature, questions discover Tr. Oral Arg. 9. determination resembles interview, evidentiary proceeding.3 observed, largely subjective testimony." 1137. unlike envision, quantity presented crucial proceeding; rather, factors demeanor. Contrary majority's theory, mature, facilitate reliable imports element adversarial rightful place. 66 think minors, concerned sexually physically minors. "particularly strong normal relationship exists." 648, needs support loving Where trust exist structure, communication already exists.4 lacking, poor generate it. Sadly, country fortunate families. For too women, threatens harm, promises comfort.5 selective blindness stark social reality bewildering distressing. Lacking people typically associations, desperately protection. indeed "lonely terrified," 520, member.6 placid reference, ibid., "compassionate mature" unbelievable cruel irony trapped violent families.7 68 Under up, stranger victim When asked adduce hearing, answered tell side articulate concerns are." alone, extremely traumatic. 2937 29. impervious who, worker counselor knows, afraid ashamed happened outside home. forces despite fears, experience hardship. attempt, public, strangers, "articulate are" clarity meet upshot entails violence. 69 affirm judgments below several defects so-called fragile insufficiency singly collectively cross acceptance. 70 complied nondelegable Particularly viewed impediments path, "possibility" physician-notification "was decisionmaking." Post, 2995 Most telling according claimed effectuate reached Court. positions provision. 862 state's insuring intervention. advanced qualified, responsible notification"); 1135 characterize 'merely ministerial' advance suggests [that struck 2481 ]."). chimerical true motivation behind seriously explains interested obtaining information, professional, nurse counselor. And explain why, paramount importance effort." 72 ironic interference judgment.8 "If licensed acceptable clinical judgment," Doe Bolton, 199, 739, 751, 201 (1973), know necessary. this, censure remedies" strictures impinge practice medicine.9 73 wisdom, 1985 antiabortion subjected Circuit. now, turn; concludes, comment, bounds ; moves routinely fashion succeeding one. plurality then primary hyperbole result: incite press, pulpit inflamed pronouncement indulges paternalistic comments "profound choices"; "[woman's] dignity"; "origins embryo"; "society's association"; striving "advice mature"; cases" "guidance parent." 74 Some hoped, judges' warm protected, nurturing environments. But "most rely others. cautioned "another world 'out there' "either ignore recognize." Beal Doe, 438, 463, 2366, 2399, 464 unfortunate denizens world, frightened forlorn, lacking comfort advice, difficult obtain. 75 evident spawned. underlying proclaimed strident offensively restrictive provisions. said: insist upholding limited let obtain" basically, onpro fessed moral religious whatever, "we be." legislation instances injustice gross inflicted vulnerable powerless women. trite reiterate familiar says nothing views wisdom unwisdom measure. observation before, National Cities Usery, 426 833, 881, 2465, 2488, 245 moved BLACKMUN's eloquent dissent again. statute—or mosaic wise legislation. onerous disapprove. law, neglected dependent, proper 2151.35 Willmann, App.3d 191, 198-199, 493 1380, 1389 (1986); Bibb, App.2d 117, 120, 435 96, (1980). Indeed, threat requesting assistance insists "that levels." disregards holding. looked determined 24-hour deadline 5-day completing perfecting together rule, provided "framework" complying mandate ruling stages 22, 3048, ("Much employing forum associated jurisdiction"). voluntarily overwhelming Torres, Forrest, Eisman, Telling Parents: Clinic Policies Adolescents' Use Family Planning Perspectives 284, 287-288, 291 million adolescents suffered neglect, Psychological Association Amici Curiae 9-10, cited therein. figure considered minimum estimate incidence substantially underreported. Pregnancy deter, precipitate, attacks "[P]regnant self-abort notification." 26, piously mention happens babies, born mothers themselves, skills. Too often, becomes cycle poverty, despair, experience, knows adequately supervise protect Baltimore City Dept. Social Services Bouknight, 549, 900, 107 992 (1990); DeShaney Winnebago County 489 189, 998, 249 odd treatment transmitted diseases, 3709.241 drug alcohol 3719.012(A). areas apparently trusts condition. reliance Matheson misplaced. one, Utah 405, 1169. contrast, "critical 2502

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