Planned Parenthood Illinois Action thanks Illinois General Assembly for passing the Youth Health and Safety Act

Media Contact:
Mary Jane Maharry
[email protected]

Statement attributed to Jennifer Welch, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action:

“We applaud the Illinois General Assembly for passing the Youth Health and Safety Act, which repeals the harmful forced parental notice law and provides needed resources for pregnant and parenting youth. This is an especially important step at a time when reproductive rights are under severe attack across the country.

We are proud of our elected champions State Representative Anna Moeller and State Senator Elgie Sims who acknowledged the decades of research and experience that show how forced parental involvement laws harm young people and serve no valid purpose. The fact is the overwhelming majority of young people already voluntarily tell a parent about an unplanned pregnancy—and the few young people who do not involve their parents usually have valid reasons, like fear of physical or emotional abuse; loss of financial support, or homelessness; fear of being forced to give birth against their will; or serious family problems, such as a parent who is imprisoned.

By passing the Youth Health and Safety Act, Illinois has ensured that young people can choose to involve the people they trust in their health care decisions and are protected from harmful domestic situations and unnecessary judicial interactions. In short, all Illinoisans, regardless of age, now have the full legal autonomy to make decisions about what’s best for their bodies. We look forward to Governor Pritzker upholding his promise to sign this bill when it crosses his desk."

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