Young Women To Wait 48 Hours While Their Parents Are Notified According to New Bill
Rep. Charles Portwood (92) has filed a bill designed to further obstruct young women's access to safe and legal abortions. The bill requires that "no abortion shall be performed upon an unemancipated minor until at least 48 hours after written notice of the pending abortion has been delivered..." to one or both of her parents.
Obstacles such as parental notice laws increase the health risks to young women by increasing the gestational age at which young women obtain abortions. This is the finding of the American Medical Association. Although surgical abortion is a remarkably safe procedure when compared to carrying a pregnancy to term, the risk of death or major complications significantly increases for each week that elapses after eight weeks. The Mandatory Delay Law passed in 2003, which required women to wait a minimum of 24 hours before obtaining an abortion, is reviewed for in court for its constitutionality. This bill would require young women to wait a "minimum" of 48 hours before obtaining the safe and legal abortion they desire.
If enacted, HB 143 would further isolate and imperil young women who, for good reasons, do not involve a parent in their decision to have an abortion. It would threatens the health of these young women.
HB 143 is bad public policy. Rather than making abortion more difficult and dangerous for young women, the Missouri legislature should do more to decrease unintended pregnancies and the need for abortion by providing comprehensive sex education and ensuring that women have access to the full range of effective contraceptives.
We urge you to contact Rep. Portwood and the other sponsors of HB 143 (see the Political Updates section of this web site and click on the bill to find their names) in order to let them know what you think of this anti-woman bill.
For more information on how to get involved with NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri, contact Angie at angie.postal@prochoicemissouri.org.
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