Article

Abortion-Seeking Minors’ Views on the Illinois Parental Notification Law: A Qualitative Study

  1. Erin K. Kavanagh senior clinical researcher1,
  2. Lee A. Hasselbacher Policy coordinator1,*,
  3. Brittany Betham Medical student4,
  4. Sigrid Tristan Assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology3,
  5. Melissa L. Gilliam chief, Section of Family Planning & Contraceptive Research; director, Fellowship in Family Planning; professor of obstetrics and gynecology; and adjunct professor of pediatrics2

Article first published online: 2 JUL 2012

DOI: 10.1363/4415912

Issue

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Volume 44, Issue 3, pages 159–166, September 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Kavanagh, E. K., Hasselbacher, L. A., Betham, B., Tristan, S. and Gilliam, M. L. (2012), Abortion-Seeking Minors’ Views on the Illinois Parental Notification Law: A Qualitative Study. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 44: 159–166. doi: 10.1363/4415912

Author Information

  1. 1

    Section of Family Planning & Contraceptive Research, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Chicago

  2. 2

    Division of Biological Sciences, University of Chicago

  3. 3

    New York University School of Medicine

  4. 4

    Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago

*lhasselbacher@uchicago.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 7 SEP 2012
  2. Article first published online: 2 JUL 2012

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (482K)

CONTEXT

Thirty-seven states have laws in effect that mandate parental involvement in adolescent abortion decisions. Little is known about minors’ opinions of parental involvement laws.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 minors presenting for an abortion at one of three Chicago-area clinics in 2010. Interviewers described the Illinois parental notification law (which was passed in 1995 but is not in effect because of legal challenges) and a corresponding judicial bypass option to the minors and asked their opinions about them. Interviews were coded and analyzed using content analysis and grounded theory methods.

RESULTS

Most minors perceived the law negatively, citing fears that it would lead to diminished reproductive autonomy for minors, forced continuation of pregnancies, adverse parental reactions (including emotional or physical abuse) and damaged parental relationships. A few held positive or ambivalent opinions, concluding that notifying a trusted adult could provide an adolescent with needed support, but that parental involvement should not be mandated. Most participants held negative opinions of judicial bypass, describing it as overwhelming and logistically complicated, and worrying that some minors might go to extreme lengths to avoid the process.

CONCLUSIONS

Many minors have deep concerns about the potential harm that could result from parental involvement laws. These opinions provide a valuable addition to the debate on such laws, which purportedly are intended to ensure minors’ best interests.

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (482K)