A compromise bill that would require pregnant minors either to notify a parent or seek a judge’s approval to obtain an abortion was approved Friday by the Illinois Senate.
The Senate’s 33-14 passage of the legislation came after the judicial bypass provision was included in the bill, language key to obtaining Gov. Jim Edgar’s support for the measure.
The governor contended that without the provision allowing girls an alternative to notification of a parent, the legislation would have been unconstitutional.
The measure, expected to receive final House approval, requires physicians to notify a parent of teenage girls seeking abortions 48 hours before performing the procedure.
Sen. Thomas McCracken (R-Downers Grove), sponsor of the plan, originally had opposed adding a judicial bypass provision, contending the purpose of the bill was to encourage counseling by family members. But he said Edgar would sign the bill only if girls could have the option of going to court.
Under the Senate plan, a court could waive the notification provision if a judge believes that the youth is mature enough to make her own decision for an abortion or if telling a parent would not be in her best interest.
A judge would have to rule on a minor’s request within 48 hours and would have to appoint a special guardian for her.
All court records would be confidential, and the youth would not have to use her full name in court.
