SB 1492 Summary

• Requires written notarized parental consent or judicial authorization before a physician can perform an abortion on an unemancipated minor, unless an exception applies.

• Allows a minor to petition the court for authorization without parental consent if the court finds the minor is mature and capable of informed consent, or if the abortion is in the minor's best interests; court must rule within 48 hours.

• Establishes an exception to the consent requirement if the minor's condition poses serious risk to her life or health, or if the pregnancy resulted from sexual conduct by a relative or household member.

• Creates a new exception allowing abortion without parental consent if the physician determines the minor is mentally and physically competent to give informed consent after providing specific medical information about her pregnancy and abortion risks.

• Imposes criminal penalties (class 1 misdemeanor) for performing an abortion in violation of consent requirements and allows parents or guardians to pursue civil action for damages, statutory damages of $5,000 or three times the abortion cost (whichever is greater), and attorney fees.