ACLU Illinois Offering No-Cost Legal Advice Regarding Parental Notification Law

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 06 Aug 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The American Civil Liberties Union has launched an effort to offer no-cost legal advice about an Illinois law requiring providers to notify an unmarried minor's parents prior to performing an abortion, the AP/KWQC reports. The law, which took effect on Tuesday, was enacted in 1995. However, enforcement of the law was delayed by a series of court challenges. It requires that either a parent, grandparent, stepparent living in the home or a legal guardian be notified prior to a minor obtaining an abortion, although judges are permitted to grant exceptions. Abortion-rights opponents claim the law will ensure that parents are consulted so their children "aren't forced into abortions," according to the AP/KWQC.

In response to the law, ACLU has created a toll-free phone line and a Web site to assist girls seeking information about the judicial bypass process. Lorie Chaiten of the Illinois ACLU said the group also has been training lawyers to assist minors (AP/KWQC, 8/4).

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