Repeal of parental notification law has rolled out of the Illinois Senate

Posted on October 27, 2021
Illinois capitol
Some Democrats either voted No or not at all, and the bill passed with just two more than the minimum needed. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ law requiring parents to be notified if their daughter is getting an abortion may not be on the books much longer. A proposed repeal has passed the Senate and moves to the House.

All Republicans joined State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) in voting against. “The parental notification, thankfully, saves around a thousand lives per year, but you know what?” Bailey asked. “This is an issue that transcends abortion. It involves the rights of parents to protect their children from predators and human traffickers.”

Advocate Hannah Baity is a college student who counsels others. “In the time since this law was passed,” Baity told senators in committee earlier Tuesday, “it’s been proven that this law doesn’t in any way protect pregnant young people and exposes too many of them to horror.”

Some Democrats either voted No or not at all, and the bill passed with just two more than the minimum needed.

HB 370 has passed the Senate, 32-22, and goes to the House.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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