Protecting access to a full range of reproductive heath care without harmful government intrusion is a critical component of the work of the ACLU of Illinois. Late last week, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a motion in federal court seeking to lift the permanent injunction the ACLU of Illinois sought and won against the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995. The Attorney General's action came after the Illinois Supreme Court acted suddenly in September of 2006 to issue rules it claimed would cure the constitutional deficiencies that plagued the 1995 statute. The ACLU of Illinois disagrees and will pursue litigation to preserve the protections for young women that have been in place since 1995.

Lorie Chaiten's statement, issued in response to the Attorney General's action, appears at the bottom of this page.

In addition, you may have read recent news accounts of proposed legislation sponsored by State Representative John Fritchey that creates a wider range of options for young women unable to communicate with their parents about an unwanted pregnancy-- including the ability to give notice to other adult family members or members of the clergy. This bill also allows young women who are unable to communicate with their parents (often for good reason) to choose to go through counseling with qualified professionals, to examine all of their options and to ensure that their decision making is careful, thorough and informed. The ACLU of Illinois supports this legislation and applauds Representative Fritchey and his co-sponsors for their effort to change the dialogue from one that is harmful to young women to one that focuses on quality healthcare and assures that young women are making thoughtful and informed decisions. We look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to assure passage of this legislation.

Lorie Chaiten's Statement on the Attorney General's Filing:
This is a sad day for the young women of Illinois. Attorney General Lisa Madigan has asked the federal court to allow her to enforce a parental notice of abortion law that is constitutionally deficient and harmful to young women and their families. The American Academy of Pediatrics - looking at what is best for young patients - opposes these kinds of abortion restrictions, recognizing that they are dangerous to the health and lives of young women. The AAP is joined in its opposition to such laws by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the Society for Adolescent Medicine, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Public Health Association.

Documented evidence shows that the vast majority of young women facing unwanted pregnancies consult with a parent, older sibling, religious advisor or a close family friend for decision-making guidance. When a young woman does not consult her parents, it is for good reason - often fear of physical and emotional abuse, harm to other family members and the prospect of being made homeless.

We intend to vigorously oppose General Madigan's efforts to revive Illinois' dormant parental notice law in court and to take all possible steps to advance the best interests of Illinois' young women and their families.

Lorie Chaiten has served as Director of the Reproductive Rights Project for the ACLU of Illinois since 2001.