Gov. Lynch Vetos Parental Notification Bill
For Immediate Release: June 15, 2011
Contact: Jennifer Frizzell, Senior Policy Advisor 603.340.1593
PLANNED PARENTHOOD APPLAUDS GOVERNOR LYNCH FOR VETO OF LEGISLATION THAT JEOPARDIZES TEEN HEALTH AND SAFETY
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE), the largest provider of reproductive health care in New Hampshire, praised Governor John Lynch late today for his actions in vetoing House Bill 329, a law that would require parental notification for young women under age 18 seeking an abortion. The proposal makes no exceptions for young women who have been victims of rape or incest and it forces young women to go before a judge if they fear violence or retaliation at home.
“With his veto, Governor Lynch has taken a strong stand on behalf of New Hampshire teens who need access to safe and confidential health care when faced with an unintended pregnancy and an abusive or troubled home life”, said Jennifer Frizzell, Senior Policy Advisor with PPNNE. “Governor Lynch has recognized that young women should be able to turn to trusted medical professionals, and not to the judicial system, in order to fully explore pregnancy options and seek appropriate medical care without risk to their health and safety.”
Parental involvement is already prevalent among minors who seek abortion services at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. In New Hampshire, 75% of minors faced with an unintended pregnancy already involve their parents and the majority of others involve another family member or trusted adult.
“For those young women who can’t talk to a parent and have a compelling reason, ensuring their health and safety must be our top priority,” said Frizzell.
Under HB 329, a young woman who cannot tell a parent about her unintended pregnancy would be forced to stand in court and explain her circumstances to a judge. This intimidating court process could delay medical care and put young women’s health at risk.
Planned Parenthood expressed concern that this legislation is part of a larger agenda to restrict abortion while at the same times reducing or eliminating programs that prevent or reduce the need for abortion. “The Republican leadership in the legislature has made this restrictive proposal a priority while at the same time dramatically reducing funding for teen pregnancy outreach programs and access to birth control. New Hampshire has the lowest teen pregnancy rate in the United States which we believe is evidence that our current policy environment is producing positive outcomes,” Frizzell continued.