Bill
HB 2624
The bill requires physicians to notify an adult family member at least 48 hours before an abortion for unemancipated minors or incompetents.
Status & origin
- Introduced in the Illinois General Assembly (LRB104 10385 SPS 20460 b) by Rep. Adam M. Niemerg on February 6, 2025.
- Bill short title: “Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 2025.”
- Text states the act would be effective immediately upon enactment.
Purpose
- Legislative findings state the General Assembly’s intent is to protect the “best interests” of unemancipated minors by requiring notification of an adult family member before an abortion, based on asserted medical, emotional, and psychological concerns and the value of parental consultation.
Key definitions (selected)
- “Minor”: a person under 18 who is not married or emancipated.
- “Adult family member”: a person over 21 who is a parent, grandparent, a step‑parent living in the household, or a legal guardian.
- “Actual notice”: direct in‑person or telephone notice.
- “Constructive notice”: certified mail to last known address; delivery is deemed 48 hours after mailing.
- “Medical emergency”: immediate condition requiring abortion to avert death or serious irreversible impairment.
- “Incompetent”: person adjudged mentally ill or with developmental disability for whom a guardian has been appointed.
Main requirements
- A physician (or agent) must give at least 48 hours’ notice to an adult family member before performing an abortion on an unemancipated minor or an incompetent person.
- If actual notice is not possible after reasonable effort, the physician must give 48 hours’ constructive notice by certified mail.
Exceptions
Notice is not required if any of the following apply:
- The minor/incompetent person is accompanied by a person who is entitled to notice.
- A person entitled to notice waives notice in writing.
- The attending physician documents a medical emergency in the medical record.
- The minor submits a written declaration that she is a victim of sexual abuse, neglect, or physical abuse by an adult family member; the physician must certify receipt of that written declaration.
- Notice is waived by a court under the judicial waiver procedure (below).
Judicial waiver procedure
- A minor or incompetent person may petition any circuit court for waiver (residency in state not required).
- Court appoints a guardian ad litem; proceedings are confidential, sealed, and anonymous (pseudonym/initials permitted).
- Court must rule and issue written findings within 48 hours of filing (extension possible at petitioner’s request). If the court fails to rule within 48 hours and no extension is requested, the petition is deemed granted.
- Waiver standard: preponderance of the evidence that the minor is sufficiently mature and informed to decide, or that notice would not be in the minor’s best interests.
Who is affected
- Primary: physicians/abortion providers performing abortions on unemancipated minors or incompetent patients.
- Secondary: minors seeking abortions, their adult family members (as defined), and Illinois circuit courts (for waiver petitions).
Notes and limitations
- The excerpt provided is partial/truncated. The bill text included definitions, notice mechanics, exceptions, and court procedures, but other provisions (e.g., enforcement, penalties, provider obligations beyond notice, reporting requirements) are not present in the provided text.
- Implementation specifics (forms, notice proof, provider liability, confidentiality of medical records beyond court proceedings) are not detailed in the excerpt.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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