Pritzker Supports Repeal of Parental Notification During Veto Session
Governor JB Pritzker said Tuesday he supports repealing the Parental Notification of Abortion Law during veto session. (Photo: State Journal-Register)
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Governor JB Pritzker says he supports lawmakers repealing Illinois’ parental notification law for minors under 17 seeking an abortion.
The parental notification law was passed during the two years Republicans had full control in Springfield in 1995. Between court decisions and delays, it didn’t go into effect until the Illinois Supreme Court ruled the law was constitutional in 2013. It has long been targeted by pro-abortion groups and lawmakers for repeal, and it appears it may happen as soon as next week when lawmakers return to Springfield for the annual veto session.
Speaking at an unrelated event Tuesday in Springfield, Pritzker says he supports action to repeal the law.
“I’m in favor of a woman’s right to choose. I’m in favor of repealing PNA,” Pritzker said. “I don’t know whether the legislature will bring this up during the two weeks of veto session, but I’ve been in favor of it since I’ve been elected, and long before that.”
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) in the Senate and Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) in the House were filed earlier this year, but no hearings have been scheduled on either bill yet.
In a video statement posted Tuesday, Illinois Right to Life Executive Director Amy Gehrke said pro-life groups stopped the bills from moving this spring and will attempt to stop them again during veto session.
“Because the other side will never, ever stop, we’re now facing another fight on parental notice of abortion,” Gehrke said. “[Repealing] parental notification is bad for minor girls. Minor girls need their parents when they’re facing something as critical as an unplanned pregnancy.”
