Louisiana To Toughen Abortion Requirements For Minors

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has agreed to toughen requirements for parental consent when a minor seeks an abortion in our state.

The current law requires that any unmarried girl younger than 18 years must provide the doctor with a notarized statement from a legal guardian before the procedure is allowed.  The changes will now require the guardian to also provide a government-issued identification card such as a driver's license which the doctor will have to keep on file.

Violating the new provisions could result in jail time.

The Governor announced Thursday that he had signed the bill from Republican Sen. Beth Mizell of Franklinton, LA into law. The new requirements take effect Aug. 1.

Senate Bill 111: www.legis.la.gov