New Hampshire Senate Takes Action On Abortion-Related Bills

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 26 Mar 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday took action on two abortion-related measures, the AP/Providence Journal reports. One bill (SB 527) would require minors seeking abortions to attend a counseling session before undergoing the procedure (AP/Providence Journal, 3/20).

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Kathleen Sgambati (D), would require girls ages 17 and younger to go to a counseling session with a physician, nurse or other licensed professional. The session would have to include discussions about involving parents in the decision and discussions of all of the minor's options (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/25). The minor also would be required to sign documents saying she had attended the session, the Concord Monitor reports. According to the Monitor, the Senate initially voted 14-10 to reject the bill but later decided by voice vote to send the bill back to committee for further study.

"For all its controversy, this bill had a very simple purpose: to safeguard the health and well-being of our young girls," Sgambati said. She added, "The hearing brought support and criticism from pro-life and pro-choice groups. But in fact, this bill is directed at neither group. It is only to ensure that care is provided to our teens and that support is given to them in times of crisis." NARAL Pro-Choice New Hampshire Executive Director Grace LeClair said that the bill "targeted abortion and abortion providers specifically."

The Senate also voted 15-9 to reject a bill (SB 302) that would have required minors seeking abortion to notify their parents before undergoing the procedure (Dorgan, Concord Monitor, 3/21). The measure would have replaced a 2003 law that was repealed last year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that parental notification laws must include an exception for emergencies. The new bill included a health exception (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/25).

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