Facts/Issues:
Number of teen abortions in Connecticut (age 17 and under) 2000 - 2008 -- 10,035
Number of teen abortions in Connecticut (age 15 and under) 2000 - 2008 -- 2,126
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 2008 - 740 (see chart by State)
- 43 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 or adult 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 or adult notification process to the minor and notify the parent or specified adult.
This proposal does not require consent by the parent or specified adult, just notification.
