NH Speaker O'Brien Statement on Parental Notification HB329

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien offered the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 329, legislation to parental notification of minors before having an abortion.

“House Bill 329 affirms parental rights in New Hampshire, as many other states do nationally.  We are committed to ensuring that parents remain actively involved in their children’s medical decisions.” 

“In an environment where minors cannot receive an aspirin in school without parental approval, this commonsense bill keeps parents engaged in their children’s health.  Furthermore, this bill allows a judge to bypass notification when it is appropriate and would not impede doctors from performing abortions in a medical emergency.”

 “Parents need to be involved in care and well-being of their children and government should not stand between parents and their minor daughters.  We are confident that the House will pass legislation that protects parental rights and will meet court scrutiny.”