Media Release 01.22.07

New Bill Would Provide Teens With Options For Abortion Notification
Madigan’s Decision To Lift Injunction Unsafe For Teens

CHAMPAIGN- Rep. John Fritchey yesterday proposed a bill in Illinois that expands the definition of parental notification for teens seeking an abortion.  The Adolescent Health Care Safety Act (HB 317) would allow teens seeking an abortion to consult with a trusted adult other than a parent. State Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Friday requested that the injunction on the Parental Notification of Abortion Act be lifted, allowing the 12-year-old law to be enforced.  

“We are disappointed that Attorney General Madigan has gone before the Federal Court to lift the injunction on this extremely old law.  It is harmful and dangerous to the teens in our communities.  We strongly support Rep. Fritchey’s legislation to allow another trusted adult—a priest or member of the clergy or other adult family member—to be notified when a teen is dealing with a difficult decision regarding her pregnancy,” said Karla Peterson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois.

Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois is concerned about the health and safety of teens under the provisions of the Parental Notification of Abortion Act, first enjoined in 1995.  The Parental Notification of Abortion Act requires that a parent be notified 48 hours before an abortion procedure.

“We encourage all of our patients to communicate with their families about important healthcare decisions.  However, this may not be a reality for all teens, particularly those from abusive homes or those who may face homelessness and other difficult or dangerous situations as the result of an unplanned pregnancy.  If teens can’t or won’t turn to a parent, we still need to ensue that they get safe medical attention and high-quality counseling,” said Peterson.

Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare—including medical and surgical abortions—and education to men, women and teens at six health centers in east central Illinois.  Planned Parenthood’s focus is on preventing unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. 

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Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois (PPECI) is the largest provider of reproductive health care in downstate Illinois.  More than 14,000 men, women and teens are served by PPECI each year at health centers in Bloomington, Champaign, Clinton, Effingham, Lincoln and Ottawa.  Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois has been providing personal, affordable and confidential healthcare, education and advocacy in the area since 1940.  Learn more about us on the web at http://www.ppeci.org/.