Contact: Illinois Federation for Right to Life, 618-465-7655

ALTON, Ill., Sept. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Illinois Federation for Right to Life applauds Chief Justice Bob Thomas and the Illinois Supreme Court for its decision to the promulgate rules to enforce the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995.

Once the new rules are written, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan must ask U.S. District Judge Paul Plunkett to lift his 1996 court order, and allow the law to take effect.

The Parental Notice of Abortion Act prohibits minors from obtaining abortions without notifying a parent.  Parental laws are in effect in 34 states. The five states surrounding Illinois have laws in effect.  As a result thousands of minors have come to Illinois to obtain abortions making Illinois an “abortion dumping ground.”

The law, signed by former Governor Jim Edgar, requires that a physician notify a parent, grandparent or legal guardian at least two days before a minor can have an abortion.

Exceptions to the laws are made in cases in which, a parent has sexually or physically abused the minor.

Bonnie Quirke, Vice President for the Federation has stated: “The IFRL is thrilled that the state of Illinois has taken a important step to protect our minor daughters.  The promulgation of the rules of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act has been a long time coming (11 years). Although we are eager to have the rules promulgated, it is more important to have them written properly in accordance with constitutional requirements. On a personal note, I am thrilled that Chief Justice Bob Thomas and the Illinois Supreme Court has made this long overdue important decision.”

No date has been set for the issuing of the new rules.

The IFRL is the largest grassroots pro-life organization in Illinois. A non-profit organization, that serves as the state coordinating body for local pro-life chapters representing thousands of Illinois citizens working to restore respect for all human life in our society.

This press releases is also available at: http://www.ifrl.org/ifrl/press/060919/index.html