In The Faith - A Chronicle of the Christian Faith

CONCORD, N.H. – To some, a never-enforced New Hampshire law requiring parental notification before a minor has an abortion is a backward step for women’s rights. To others, it protects parents’ right to know if their child is having an abortion.

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider those arguments Wednesday as it begins to weigh whether to reinstate a law that requires parental notification 48 hours before an abortion can be performed on a minor.

The 2003 law was struck down, days before it was to take effect, for failing to provide an exception to protect a minor’s health. Under the law, parents or guardians must be notified either in person or by certified mail.

Supporters of the law say a provision that allows a girl to go to a judge instead of a parent provides needed protection if her health is in danger.

Opponents, however, say the law’s requirements could lead to dangerous delays and result in judges making medical decisions instead of doctors. They also view the law as an ill-disguised attempt by abortion opponents to chip away at
Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion.

“Women are going to get abortions no matter what, whether it’s legal or illegal, whether they’re 13 or whether they’re 50. ... Any limitations put on it is heading backward in time,” said Becca Pawling, 35, who leads Annie’s Forum, a weekly program that brings together teenage girls and older women for snacks, support, crafts and conversation in Portsmouth.

[ Full Story @ Yahoo.com ]

Source: Yahoo.com © 2005 Associated Press

Related websites (not necessarily endorsed by In The Faith):
New Hampshire law – House Bill 763-FN – requiring parental notification before abortions may be performed on unemancipated minors.
New Chief Justice Faces Abortion Issue

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Filed under: Government, Law, History