JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A state lawmaker says Missouri's abortion laws need to do more to ensure the person giving parental consent for a teenage girl is actually her legal guardian.
A House panel heard testimony Tuesday on legislation that would require parents or legal guardians to provide written proof of their relationship to the minor seeking an abortion.
Representative Sonya Anderson said requiring parental consent forms to be notarized would add another layer of accountability. Other supporters said it could stop sex traffickers from forcing abortions on their victims.
The bill would also add requirements for a minor who is seeking a judge's permission to bypass parental consent.
Opponents said the bill creates a complicated judicial process and could violate patient privacy.
