Contact Your State Representative Today

Most young women facing an unintended pregnancy talk with a parent, step-parent or other adult relative about the decision to continue or terminate the pregnancy. When a young woman does not tell her parent, it is for a good reason -- including fear of physical abuse, forced homelessness or parental rejection. Recently, the State of Illinois took steps designed to enforce a 1995 law that forces a young woman to notify her parents of her decision to terminate a pregnancy, or go through the labyrinth of a confusing, intimidating court process to receive a "waiver" from such the notification requirement.

Don't let government officials threaten vulnerable young women's health with this draconian requirement! Contact your state representative today to repeal the 1995 Act and replace it with the Adolescent Health Care Safety Act (House Bill 317). You can send a free fax to your state representative by going to https://secure.aclu.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=577&page=UserAction.

State Representative John Fritchey proposed House Bill 317 to protect vulnerable teens by allowing them to talk with a responsible, caring adult about their decision on an unintended pregnancy. Under the Adolescent Health Care Safety Act, a young woman must give notice of her decision to have an abortion to a parent, step-parent, legal guardian, grandparent, adult sibling, or an aunt or uncle. This broader pool of persons who can be notified me ans that young women can talk with a number of adults in whom she is comfortable confiding.

If a young woman cannot turn to an adult family member, the Adolescent Health Care Safety Act presents an alternative procedure involving "all-options" counseling. This counseling is designed to ensure that a young woman's decision is fully informed and thoroughly evaluated .

In short, House Bill 317 ensures quality health care and decision making for young women - a stark contrast to the 1995 Parental Notice of Abortion Law. Contact your state representative today!