Controversial 'Parental Consent' Bill Moving Through The Legislature

Senate Republicans pushed through a bill today that would require teenage girls to get consent from their parents before having abortions.The bill would ban physicians from performing abortions on minors unless the doctors have written consent from parents or legal guardians.

Senate sponsor Kelli Stargel says parents need to be involved in minors’ decisions about having abortions, "Because there’s going to be long term lasting ramifications, with regards to that entire family unit, I think it’s important to have that entire family unit involved in the discussions of what is the best decision and the best way to proceed with the unplanned pregnancy."

Physicians who perform abortions without parental consent could be charged with a third-degree felony. Opponents of the parental-consent proposal, including Democratic State Senator Lauren Book, contend the bill will be dangerous to minors, who could turn to unsafe methods of abortion if they do not want their parents to find out, "We cannot legislate a family dynamic and a family unit that is safe. I think this is going to disproportionately affect those young girls who are in family situations that aren’t safe."

The proposal includes a judicial-bypass process that would allow teens to have abortions without getting parental consent. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in his State of the State address last week said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

Â