Signed by Governor Jim Justice, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill which requires a psychiatrist of judge to determine whether the parental notification requirement for abortions performed on minors may be waived.

Highlights:

• Prohibits physicians from performing an abortion upon a minor until notice of the pending abortion has been given to the minor’s parents or legal guardians (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes physicians to perform an abortion immediately without notifying the parents if they conclude that a medical emergency exists and there is insufficient time to provide the notice, but requires that the parents be notified at some point within 48 hours after the procedure (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes minors who object to the required notice to petition the court for a waiver (Sec. 4).

• Requires the court to waive the notice if there’s a medical necessity or if parental notification would not be in the best interest of the minor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill which requires a psychiatrist of judge to determine whether the parental notification requirement for abortions performed on minors may be waived.

Highlights:

• Prohibits physicians from performing an abortion upon a minor until notice of the pending abortion has been given to the minor’s parents or legal guardians (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes physicians to perform an abortion immediately without notifying the parents if they conclude that a medical emergency exists and there is insufficient time to provide the notice, but requires that the parents be notified at some point within 48 hours after the procedure (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes minors who object to the required notice to petition the court for a waiver (Sec. 4).

• Requires the court to waive the notice if there’s a medical necessity or if parental notification would not be in the best interest of the minor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text