Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2025
Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2025 would require, for unemancipated minors under 18 seeking an abortion, that parents be notified in writing, a 96-hour waiting period follow the notice, and compliance with any court injunction related to the abortion. The bill prohibits abortions in facilities that participate in interstate or federally funded activities unless these notification and waiting-period requirements are met. It creates a private right of action for a notified parent to seek a federal injunction to stop the abortion, with temporary relief pending adjudication and a permanent injunction unless unlawful. The act includes an emergency medical exception, allows certain waivers of parental notification by a state court in cases of abuse, and preserves state law that provides greater parental rights. It carries penalties for violations and becomes effective upon enactment, with severability retained. In short, the bill substantially expands the role of parents in decisions about an unemancipated minor’s abortion by mandating notification, a waiting period, and a federal pathway for court intervention, while also allowing limited medical emergency exceptions and state-level variations that could exceed its provisions.
Key Points
- 1Parental notification and waiting period: Requires written parental notification of the abortion request to the minor’s parent, with a 96-hour waiting period after notification, prior to abortion, and compliance with any court injunction related to the abortion.
- 2Who qualifies as a parent: Defines “parent” to include legal guardians for an unemancipated minor.
- 3Private right of action and injunctions: Allows a notified parent to file in a federal district court to enjoin the abortion; the court must issue a temporary injunction and may grant a permanent injunction unless it would be unlawful.
- 4Exceptions and emergency provisions: Allows a physician (other than the abortion- decision-making physician) to determine that a medical emergency exists that would cause death if not immediately treated (even if the fetus would die as a result); if notification is not possible due to the emergency, and with proper medical-record certifications detailing findings, parental notification may be waived.
- 5Penalties and preemption: Violations can result in fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year imprisonment per violation. The act does not preempt state laws that provide greater parental notification or intervention rights; it is severable and takes effect on enactment.