Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Alaska court strikes down parental notice for abortions

By Becky Bohrer Associated Press

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Alaska Supreme Court has struck down a state law requiring parental notification of a minor seeking an abortion.

The court found the law, approved by voters in 2010, violates the state Constitution and cannot be enforced.

The law was challenged by Planned Parenthood of the Greater Northwest and others, who argued, among other things, that the law violates minors’ privacy rights and the due process rights of minors and abortion providers.

Christine Charbonneau, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, hailed Friday’s decision. She said everyone wants teens to be safe but some live in dangerous homes and cannot go to their parents.

Justice Craig Stowers dissented.