Utah Teens Must Get Parental Permission for Abortion


By staff reports,
Citizenlink

Gov. Jon Huntsman signed into a law a bill that requires any minor seeking an abortion in Utah to get written permission from parents, NewsMax reported.

Previously, the state required parents to be notified, but did not mandate they give permission.

Girls can seek an exception in juvenile court for cases of abuse, incest or if the minor is estranged from her parents.

The state Health Department reported that Utah has one of the lowest abortion rates in the country.


Bill Would Require Those Seeking Abortions to Show ID


By staff reports,
Citizenlink

Family advocates in Kansas are asking state legislators to support a bill that would tighten parental-notification laws, LifeNews.com reported.

Any adult who accompanies a minor to an abortion clinic would have to show identification and explain their relationship to the girl. Both would be asked to disclose the name of the father, if known.

Kathy Ostrowski, legislative director of Kansans for Life, told lawmakers the law is needed in order to protect teens from being forced to have an abortion by sexual predators trying to cover sexual abuse. It is also to make sure teens aren't accompanied by an adult who is helping them get a secret abortion.

"The state has an interest in promoting the health and safety of young girls experiencing an unplanned pregnancy," she said.

Last month the Kansas Supreme Court told Attorney General Phill Kline he could seek the records of some minors who had obtained an abortion to determine if there was evidence of statutory rape. The name of the girl will not be disclosed unless it is determined a crime has been committed.