NH Law Would Require Parents' Approval For Minor's Abortion
CONCORD, N.H. (CBS) -- Young women in New Hampshire may soon have to notify their parents before they are able to have an abortion. A parental notification bill has passed in the House, and is expected to pass in the Senate.
On Thursday, both sides can weigh in on the bill at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Kathy Souza, who sponsored the bill says, "It touches on the whole culture of life, and the integrity of the family. They go hand-in-hand."
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.
Souza had sponsored a 2003 bill, which was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court because it didn't protect the health of the young girl.
Souza says this time they have made changes and she is confident it will be held up in court. Once change: minors can go before a judge if she feels she will be abused, or feels she's too mature. In those cases a judge will have a decision within 48 hours.
Pilar Olivo, Executive Director of NARAL NH says she's worried about young girls' health. "We feel like this bill fails to put young women's health and safety first."
She believes young women will hurt themselves by ordering abortion medication online.
"Let's be clear, back alley abortions are not necessarily happening in back alleys, but with access to the internet and a credit card…. Unsupervised abortion is a big concern of ours."
The bill is expected to reach the Governor's desk.
Governor Lynch isn't taking a position on this bill. He believes parents should be involved in these decisions, but says that isn't always possible. He says his main concern is the health of the girl or young woman involved.
