Connecticut House Bill HB06537

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Parental Notification Prior To The Termination Of A Pregnancy By A Minor.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend existing statutes to enforce parental notification as a prerequisite for any abortion procedure performed on a minor. However, it includes a provision allowing minors to seek court approval to proceed with the abortion without parental notification. This judicial option is intended to protect the anonymity of the minor while expediting the process, thereby balancing parental rights with the privacy and personal autonomy of minors.

Summary

House Bill 06537 seeks to establish a requirement for parental notification prior to the termination of a pregnancy by a minor. The bill mandates that any minor intending to undergo an abortion must have their parent or guardian informed of the procedure. This provision is intended to ensure that minors' best interests are taken into account when facing potentially life-altering decisions regarding unplanned pregnancies. The legislation provides a critical mechanism that emphasizes parental involvement in the reproductive health decisions of minors.

Contention

The introduction of HB 06537 is likely to spark significant debate among stakeholders, particularly regarding reproductive rights and parental authority. Proponents of the bill argue that the measure will provide necessary parental oversight in sensitive decisions surrounding abortion. Critics, however, may argue that such requirements could create barriers to access for minors seeking timely reproductive healthcare and may contribute to increased stress or fear among young individuals considering abortion. They may also contend that the bill undermines a minor's ability to make autonomous healthcare decisions, especially in situations involving complex personal circumstances.