State Representative Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, issued the following statement in response to the Illinois House of Representatives vote late Wednesday night to repeal the state’s parental notification law:
“Parental notification ensures a parent knows when their child is considering the serious act of an abortion. This is not even consent in Illinois, the current law only requires simple notification. In Illinois, we require parent involvement for someone under 18 to get a tattoo, a drivers’ license, or to have Tylenol in high school. Unbelievably, the Governor and the majority party believe children should be able to have an abortion without parent’s even knowing.
“The Governor is out of touch with families in Illinois and is pushing extreme policies. By removing parents’ right to be informed about serious medical decisions their daughter is making, the Governor and majority party are promoting an outrageous idea that parents should not be a part of major decisions for those under the age of 18. Family involvement is essential to support and provide for girls. That is why I voted against repeal.
“Instead of pushing fringe policies, we should be working together to reduce unwanted pregnancies, to promote availability of birth control, and to promote additional options like adoption.”
House Bill 370 is the legislation that repeals the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. It passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 62-51 after being approved by the State Senate by a 32-22 vote margin.