House gives initial approval to abortion consent notification bill

The Missouri House has given initial approval to a bill requiring both custodial parents to receive notice when a minor is seeking an abortion.

The legislation would expand Missouri’s current law that requires the written consent of one parent or guardian before girls younger than 18 can have abortions.

The bill would require the consenting parent to provide a written notice to the other custodial parent or guardian, but would not require the consent of the second parent.

The legislation contains exceptions, such as when the other parent has been convicted of a sexual offense or cannot be found.

This year’s bill need a second House vote to move to the Senate.