HB 1588 Summary

• Establishes the "Parental Notification for Abortion Act" requiring physicians to notify one parent of an unemancipated minor at least 48 hours before performing an abortion, except in medical emergencies or with judicial waiver.

• Requires parental notification to be delivered either personally by a physician or certified mail with restricted delivery to the parent's residence, with time of delivery deemed 12 noon on the third day of regular mail delivery.

• Permits exceptions to parental notification if the minor declares she is a victim of sexual or physical abuse and the physician notifies child abuse authorities, or in certified medical emergencies requiring immediate abortion.

• Allows unemancipated minors to petition a district court for judicial waiver of parental notification if the minor is deemed mature and capable of informed consent, or if abortion without notification serves the minor's best interests.

• Makes knowing or reckless violation of parental notification requirements a misdemeanor and allows civil action for damages; effective November 1, 2013.