The Catholic Conference today issued the following statement in response to an Illinois Senate committee giving approval to legislation that would repeal current law allowing parents to be notified when a minor seeks an abortion.
“It is truly tragic the Senate Public Health Committee today approved Senate Bill 1594, which seeks to repeal the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Since this law went into effect, the incidence of abortions among minors has dropped 57 percent in Illinois.
“Why would anybody vote for legislation that effectively removes parents and guardians of minors from a major decision that is known to have significant physical and mental after effects?
“Current law makes it illegal for minors in Illinois to use an indoor tanning bed; buy cigarettes, alcohol or lottery tickets; or vote in an election. Are we to believe abortion is somehow less consequential than getting a tan?
“We urge the full Senate to use reason, support parents and their daughters, and strongly reject this appalling legislation.”
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