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PARENTAL NOTIFICATION OF ABORTION FOR MINORS

 

     Connecticut is one of the few remaining states (see states report) in the nation where a minor child can receive an abortion without anyone in their immediate family, especially her parents, being made aware of it.  In the state of Connecticut a minor cannot have a body piercing or be administered medication at school without written parental consent, but alone can make the major health decision to have an abortion.  Current state law does require the abortion provider to review the decision with the minor, which includes outlining several options.  It does not require them to provide post-abortion support or care.  The minor child is left on their own.

       The Catholic Conference supports the introduction of  legislation to end this practice and institute a process where a minor’s parents must be at least notified when the child is seeking an abortion. They do not have to consent to it , but can at least discuss the situation with the child and insure the child is properly cared for if an abortion is obtained.  It will also help to insure that if the child is a victim of statutory rape the abuser is not encouraging the abortion, and may even be held accountable for his actions. In the cases where a child is abused by someone in their own household a process is available for a judicial waiver of the parental notification process.  

     

    

     Facts/Issues:

                      Number of teen abortions in Connecticut (age 17 and under) 2000 - 2007  --  8,986 
     Number of teen abortions in Connecticut (age 15 and under) 2000 - 2006  --  1,922                       
                  

            Concern exists about minors coming over state lines for abortions (possible statutory rape situations). Surrounding states such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island have strict consent laws.

              Number of abortions performed on Out-of-State Minors

                                     2002 thru 2007 - 643    (see chart by State)

-         44 states have passed parental notification or consent legislation. It is still in effect in 36 states (no court challenges or have survived court challenges).

-         Notification laws have a strong record of surviving court challenges, and U.S.  Supreme Court Rulings have been favorable.

-         Concern over protection of the teen attempting to decided on a major health issue.          

                In current state law (19a-92g)  a minor under 18 years of age cannot have a body  

                piercing without parental consent; but that same teen can have an abortion without parental consent.

                      
         -  Polls show major support for parental notification laws:  80% support

           (CBS News – July, 2005), 78% (FOX News – April, 2005).  Many people

           feel they can be pro-choice and in support of parental notification. The

           two are not mutually exclusive.   


The Connecticut General Assembly should pass a law at least requiring parental notification .The legislation should:

1.      Modify the definition of a minor in the abortion statute from 16 years of age to under eighteen years of age (17 and under as in other states)

2.      Require the abortion provider to explain the parental notification process to the minor and notify the parent. 

         Process:   - parent receives 48 hour notice from provider

                                   - minor can proceed with abortion after parents have been

                                     notified.  This proposal does not require parental consent.

                                   - minor can go to the courts to avoid notification of parent if the

                                     minor, for various reasons, feels it is their best interest. This is known as
                                     judicial bypass.


        Other Articles of Interest:

                Frequently Asked Questions on Parental Notification