By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times
December 17, 2021
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Just before heading off for the weekend this Friday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation repealing a law that required parental notification before a minor receives an abortion.
The repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act also ushers in legislation that establishes an advisory group for youth health and safety issues which will identify laws and policies that affect parenting and pregnant people under 18.
Pritzker has argued that reproductive rights are under attack across the nation and the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act “. . . is once again establishing itself as a leader in ensuring access to health care services.” Some pro-life groups argue that this is another limit on the rights of parents to parent their minor children.
In October, Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, referred to the notification law as “the last anti-abortion law that we have on our books.”
Republican leaders and other pro-life groups argue that repealing the act is going to lead to the trafficking of minors. Back in October, State Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, said a vote for the repeal is not just “failing girls — it’s failing good parents.”
As the Governor signed the repeal into law, Rep. Bourne said in a statement, “This significant change in our law is out of touch with a majority of Illinoisans and puts girls in Illinois and across the Midwest in danger. Parents deserve the right to know if their minor child is seeking any major medical procedure.”
Frank Conklin, Illinois Political Reporter/Columnist for The Chicago Times. Views and comments expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Chicago Times.
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