Quincy Reporter

An Illinois law that requires health care providers to give advance notice to parents or guardians that their minor child is seeking an abortion is facing a growing effort to be replead led in part by the ACLU of Illinois. 

The Parental Notice of Abortion Act (PNA) was signed into law in 1995, which requires health care providers to notify “adult family members” of a minor receiving an abortion at least 48 hours in advance. Illinois is one of 37 states with a law requiring parental notification of people under 18 receiving abortions. 

Opponents of the law have sought judicial bypass to the PNA in the past, and now are also calling for the law to be repealed. 

In a report with input from approximately 200 individuals who used this judicial bypass, the respondents opted to bypass the PNA notification out of fear of being forced to continue the pregnancy, being cut off from their family (either socially and/or financially), and potential strain on family relationships.  

Some state legislators do not wish to repeal this legislation, however. 

State Sen. Jill Tracy (R-Quincy) voiced her opposition to repealing the PNA in an April 21 social media post. 

“The current law simply requires notification, not consent, and repealing it would be a slap in the face to parents who want to offer care, support and counseling for their children," Tracy said. "Should this legislation make it to the Senate floor, I will be opposing it.” 

If the ACLU were to be successful in repealing the PNA, abortions would join pregnancy and birth control as health care options that do not require parental notification.