Attorneys prepare for appeal of ruling.
Parents are one step closer to being notified if their underage daughter is considering terminating her pregnancy, after a judge dismissed a challenge to the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act today (March 29th).
Cook County Court Judge Daniel Riley did impose a stay of his decision that will allow the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) time to file an appeal. The ACLU confirmed in a statement it "will move swiftly to appeal."
The law passed in 1995, but has been stalled in the for years by legal challenges.
The act requires physicians to notify the parents of an underage woman at least 48 hours before performing an abortion.
The Thomas More Society has led the battle to revive the law.
"Today's ruling represents a great step toward ending underage secret abortions in Illinois," said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel for the group. "This written decision represents the first time an Illinois court has upheld the Parental Notice Act of 1995 against the ACLU's challenge. We look forward to the day that abortion providers are made to respect the rights of parents to know before their daughters are taken for abortions."
Mailee Smith, staff counsel with Americans United for Life, said the ruling has broad implications in protecting the health and welfare of minors outside of Illinois.
"Minors from other states come to Illinois to avoid their own state parental notice laws," she explained.
Contact: Nima Reza
Source: CitizenLink
Publish Date: March 29, 2010
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