Legislation to require parental involvement before an abortionist performs an abortion on a minor girl has been introduced in virtually every session of the Vermont Legislature for nearly 20 years. These proposals require that one parent of a girl under the age of 18 be notified in writing by the abortionist at least 48 hours prior to the performance of an abortion procedure on her.

Provisions are included in these bills for a girl to seek judicial review of the notification requirement if she has good reason to prevent her parents from being notified, as in the case of parental abuse. In these cases, the probate court can grant a waiver of the notification requirement but must also report the abuse to the proper authorities in order that the young girl does not simply undergo a secret abortion while continuing to handle an abuse situation on her own.

Most states require parental involvement in the abortion decisions of a minor. While some of these laws have been blocked by court action, 36 states are now enforcing such laws, and the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the New Hampshire notification bill which was challenged by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.

Vermont Catholics are encouraged to speak out for the protection of young girls and the rights of parents. Please contact your legislators, both representatives and senators, and tell them to vote in favor of a parental notification law in Vermont. For legislator contact information:

http://www. vermontcatholic.org/VtLegislators

"Pro-Life supporters know that this is a bill about parental rights, not abortion rights. And we hope that Pro-Choice people can relax their vigilance and their fears enough to join with us in protecting our children from suffering through a life-altering situation alone."

- Bishop Kenneth A. Angell - Testimony Before Vermont House Committee on Health & Welfare -
- February 20, 2001 -