Parental Consent Prior to Abortion Passes First Senate Committee

On December 10, SB 404 (Stargel) was taken up a second time by the Senate Health Policy Committee and passed (6-3). Last month, time expired before a vote due to stall tactics by lawmakers who oppose the underlying measure. At this week's meeting, committee members were able to hear testimony from members of the community, with several testifying in support of the right of parents to be involved in a life-altering decision made by their minor daughters. When a minor is pregnant the support of her family is crucial, regardless of whether she has an abortion, she chooses to parent that child, or she places that child for adoption.

SB 404 would require parents to provide written consent before a minor receives an abortion. The minor can petition the court for a waiver when parental abuse is a concern. The bill will go next to the Judiciary Committee, the second of three committee references.

HB 265 (Grall) has already passed its only committee of reference and is ready to be heard by the full House during the 2020 Legislative Session that begins in January.
 
Please continue to urge your Florida lawmakers to support this legislation that recognizes the unique role of parents in the lives of their children.