Bill in Legislature would require minors to notify parents before getting abortion

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — More than 100 supporters and opponents of a bill that would require minors to notify their parents before getting an abortion packed a Senate committee hearing to argue over whether the plan would help or harm teenagers.

Senators on the Law and Justice Committee listened to advocates from each side Monday afternoon without commenting or asking questions. The bill is sponsored by the committee's chairman, Sen. Mike Padden, a Republican from the Spokane Valley.

The notification bill's supporters argued it would ensure teens would have emotional support and advice from loved ones at every step in terminating a pregnancy.

Those fighting the bill said it would insert court-system delays for teens who want to get abortions without telling their parents, which could increase the risk of medical complications. Seventeen states require teens to notify their parents before seeking an abortion.