Senate panel OKs bill requiring parental abortion consent for girls under 18

Legislation that would require consent from a parent or guardian before a girl under 18 could obtain an abortion was approved by a Florida Senate committee.

The Senate Health Policy Committee voted 5-4 on Monday for the bill. A previous such law was ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court.

The bill by Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland would require a minor to get written permission from one or more parent, or a legal guardian, to obtain an abortion. Florida now only requires parents be notified if an underage girl seeks an abortion.

The measure also provides that a minor could ask a circuit court judge to waive the parental consent provision under certain circumstances, such as when a girl is a victim of child abuse or sexual abuse.