Florida House OKs bill requiring parental abortion consent
Legislation that would require consent from a parent or guardian before a girl under 18 could obtain an abortion passed the Florida House on Wednesday night after a lengthy debate and amid questions about its constitutionality.
The Republican-led House voted 69-44 largely along party lines for the bill, which now moves to the Senate where a similar bill is pending.
The measure sponsored by GOP Rep. Erin Grall of Vero Beach would require that a minor get written, notarized permission from a parent or a legal guardian to obtain an abortion. Florida now only requires that parents be notified that their child is seeking an abortion.
"The reason that a child should seek the consent of their parent is because the parent is in the most unique and beneficial position to advise that child," Grall said during more than three hours of debate. "Overwhelmingly, parents could offer a perspective, and advice and counsel, that is not available from any other person."
Read more: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-us-xgr--florida-abortion-consent-20190418-story.html
