The ACLU is representing a Chicago physician and an abortion clinic in a lawsuit challenging the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act that requires physicians to notify the parent of a girl younger than 18 before performing an abortion. The suit claims the law is unconstitutional and wants to block its Nov. 3 implementation.
Mary Spaulding Balch, director of state legislation with the National Right to Life Committee, said she expects the court to throw out the suit.
“The Supreme Court has said, ‘Yes, parents have a right to be involved. They have a right to know,’” she said.
Mailee Smith, staff counsel with Americans United for Life, said the law will protect children.
“Minors in the state of Illinois will finally be protected by having parental involvement in their abortion decision,” she said. “Minors will no longer be able to come into Illinois and have access to abortion without accountability.”
--Roger Greer
