FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Contact:  Sheila S. Hopkins
Associate for Social Concerns
(850) 222-3803
shopkins@flacathconf.org

Tallahassee -The Florida Catholic Conference was dismayed to learn of the Florida Supreme Court’s 5-1 decision, striking down Florida law that would have required a physician to give 48 hours notice to a minor’s parents before terminating the minor’s pregnancy. “ We are outraged that parents have no right to protect their children; no notice that their daughter will undergo a medical procedure with potentially serious physical and mental health consequences,” said Sheila S. Hopkins, Associate for Social Concerns.

“This ruling intrudes on the fundamental right of parents to protect their children when they may be harmed,” said Hopkins. More than 30 states have passed parental consent or parental notification laws. “The act would not have prevented a minor from making the final decision, but she would have the advice, counsel and support of her parents in making a major, life-altering decision,” she said.

Despite a national decrease in abortions in 2002, Florida’s abortion numbers increased to almost 88,000.  “The people of Florida must be concerned about standing up for the lives of their children, and for unborn children,” Hopkins added.

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