Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to declare inexpedient to legislate a bill that prohibits an unemancipated minor from obtaining an abortion without written parental or guardian notification being delivered 48 hours prior to having the abortion.

Highlights:

• Exempts a minor from the parental notification requirement if a medical emergency exists, meaning the abortion is necessary to avoid death or irreversible impairment of major bodily functions (Sec. 1).

• Requires a judge to waive the parental notification requirement if the judge determines that the minor is mature and capable of giving informed consent (Sec. 1).

• Requires a judge to waive parental notification requirement if the judge determines that the minor is not mature, but having the abortion without parental notification would be in the best interest of the minor (Sec. 1).

• Requires a judge to issue a ruling on whether to waive the parental notification requirement within 7 days from the time the petition is filed (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a minor must have access to a judge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the purpose of pursuing a waiver (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a minor to appeal a judge's decision not to waive the parental notification requirement, and the appellate court shall make a ruling on that appeal within 7 days from the time of the docketing of the appeal (Sec. 1).

• Defines "emancipated minor" as a female under the age of 18 who is or has been married, or by court order has been released from care, custody, or control of her parents (Sec. 1).

• Classifies a violation of the parental notification requirement as a misdemeanor, and such violation shall be grounds for a civil action (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text