Go to Content Go to Navigation Go to Navigation Go to Site Search Homepage

PNA Talking Points

Listen to the medical professionals

  • The repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act has been endorsed by the leading medical authorities who oversee reproductive health and the health of young people—the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Both groups say PNA is an undue burden on young people.

  • A young person can legally make every other decision when it comes to their pregnancy, without any parental involvement. This includes tests, procedures, and even surgery like a C-section. Moreover, they can make the decision on whether or not to parent or give a child up for adoption without including a parent.

  • All medical providers are mandated reporters. If there is an issue abuse or neglect, the law mandates that medical professions notify the Department of Children and Family Services. Moreover, health care providers have ethical and legal obligations when it comes to informed consent and ensuring that a patient is making decisions free from coercion.

Protect future opportunities for young people

  • It is important that we allow young people to make their own health care decisions. Repealing PNA is about ensuring young people can continue to build their futures on their own terms and with their own resources.

  • This law is yet another example of government overreach. Putting the government in the middle of family dynamics and trying to legislate family communications is NOT the business of the government. 

  • The overwhelming majority of young people already include a trusted adult in their decision. This law targets young people that do not have positive relationships with their parents.

  • Human Rights Watch found that the Parental Notice of Abortion Act violates the human rights of young people and threatens their health and safety.

Sample Responses to Constituents

Sample email response to constituents:

Dear Friend,

Thank you so much for reaching out to our office in regards to your concerns around the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. 

There are times where we will agree on important issues and there will be places where we will disagree. This is one of those times where we will have to agree to disagree. After researching and gathering evidence about this notification law—the only of its kind when it comes to medical procedures—I have come to the decision that this presents dangerous burden on young people who are trying to obtain basic health care.

Thank you for making your voice heard and thank you for participating in the legislative process. Your voice is important to me and I hope that you will continue to stay engaged and informed.

Sincerely,

The Judicial Bypass Process

Conclusion: This bill is a dangerous burden on young people seeking medical care.