Statement of
Lorie A. Chaiten, Director
Reproductive Rights Project
American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois
Re: Federal District Court ruling holding Illinois Parental Notice of

Abortion Act of 1995 Unconstitutional

We are thrilled with today's ruling by U.S. District Court Judge David Coar holding that the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995 remains unconstitutional as written and therefore unenforceable. We know that most young women in Illinois will consult with a parent or guardian when making the difficult decision about whether to continue a pregnancy. However, in those few instances where a young woman is not able to tell her parents - because of fear of abuse, neglect or being tossed from the house - that young woman should not be denied essential reproductive health care. Judge Coar’s ruling today continues to protect young women from such harm to their health and well-being.