Florida bill calls for minors to get written consent for abortion

Florida lawmakers have passed a bill that would require minors to have written parental consent to obtain an abortion.

Right now, parents or legal guardians must be notified — but don’t have to provide their consent.

If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the bill, a doctor who performs an abortion without notarized written consent and proof of a government-issued ID from parents could be charged with a third-degree felony and face up to five years in prison.

The bill provides exceptions for medical emergencies and if the minor petitions a court for a judicial waiver.

But “the physician must make reasonable attempts, whenever possible, and without endangering the minor, to contact the parent or legal guardian of the minor,” the bill reads.

DeSantis, a Republican, previously expressed his support for the bill in his Jan. 14 “State of the State” address.

“I also hope that the parental consent bill will make its way to my desk during this session!” DeSantis said.

The bill passed Thursday 75 to 43. Five Democrats supported the measure; two female Republicans cast no votes, records show.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest & Central Florida slammed the bill as “unconstitutional.”

“We need to call our legislators to hold them accountable for passing this unconstitutional bill!” the abortion-rights group tweeted.

via: https://nypost.com/2020/02/22/florida-bill-calls-for-minors-to-get-written-consent-for-abortion/

Photo Credit: AP