Connecticut House Bill HB05262

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/11
• Refer: 1/13/11

Caption

An Act Requiring Parental Notification Of Abortion Procedures Performed On Minors.

Impact

Should HB 05262 be enacted, it would substantially alter the current legal framework surrounding abortion procedures for minors in the state. It would add an additional layer of regulation and oversight concerning access to abortion services for young individuals. Proponents claim that such requirements ensure parents are informed and able to support their children through the decision-making process, while opponents argue that it could lead to delays in necessary medical care and negatively affect the health outcomes for minors seeking abortions.

Summary

House Bill 05262 is an act aimed at establishing parental notification requirements for abortion procedures performed on minors under the age of 18. The bill seeks to amend sections 19a-600 and 19a-601 of the general statutes, stipulating that a medical provider cannot perform an abortion on an unemancipated minor unless at least one parent or legal guardian has been notified 48 hours prior to the procedure. This legislative proposal is rooted in the belief that parents should be involved in significant medical decisions regarding their children.

Contention

The bill has stirred significant debate regarding parental rights and the autonomy of minors. Advocates for the bill, which includes certain parental rights organizations, assert that notifying parents is a vital aspect of family communication and parental responsibility. Conversely, opponents, including reproductive healthcare advocates, contend that the requirement may infringe upon a minor’s right to make private health care decisions and could discourage them from seeking needed medical services due to fear of parental backlash.