Sen. Sue Rezin wants to protect law requiring parental notice of abortion

State Sen. Sue Rezin joined other Republicans in pushing to protect a state law requiring the parents of minors to be notified before their child receives an abortion.

Rezin, R-Morris, and other woman members of the Senate Republican Caucus publicly argued for the need to preserve the Parental Notice of Abortion Act during a news conference Tuesday, according to a news release.

Earlier this year, two measures to repeal the law were introduced in the House and the Senate, but neither were called up for consideration. The Republicans said Democratic lawmakers have indicated they may attempt to repeal the law during the fall veto session.

“This is an issue about parental rights, and whether you believe it is acceptable to keep parents in the dark about a very serious healthcare decision being made by their child,” Rezin said in a statement.

The existing law stipulates that a parent be informed of the procedure. Parents are not required to provide consent, according to the news release.

“As a mother of two daughters, I strongly believe it is a parent’s right to be made aware of their daughter’s health and their healthcare decisions,” Rezin said. “If parents are left in the dark, we will not be able to provide them with the support and care during one of their most difficult times in their life. That is why I intend to stand up for every parent in Illinois and fight against any attempt to erode the Parental Notice of Abortion Act.”

The Republican members said that while opponents of the law have argued it endangers victims of abuse, it actually acts as a safeguard for vulnerable minors. They argued sex trafficking experts believe notification is vital to identifying potential victims.