By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – People who want young women to be able to get an abortion without their parents’ knowledge relied on a high school student to support their case.

“Young people who seek abortion care almost always involve someone they trust in that process,” said Hannah Baity. “An aunt, a sibling, a teacher, a partner. But this current law doesn’t consider all the people young people may choose to support them. By forcing parental conversation, this law only serves to put young people in danger.”

Baity, of Robbins, is active in the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health.

Dawn Fitzpatrick of the Catholic Conference of Illinois opposes the bill and appeals to everyone who has a daughter: “Ask yourself: would you want to know? Would you want to be there for your daughter as she faces such a decision? A decision that we know carries with it significant physical and emotional after-effects?”

The proceedings were less civil when another opponent, Donna Adler, made reference to the fact that State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), is black. He and others on the committee informed her she was offending them. Adler said the current parental-notification law reduces promiscuity.

SB 1594 has passed the Senate Public Health Committee.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]