The ACLU of Illinois fights on multiple fronts to protect the rights of pregnant teens. In response to an unfortunate decision in another long-standing case, Zbaraz v. Madigan, the ACLU of Illinois launched the Illinois Judicial Bypass Coordination Project. The decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals revived the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act, which had previously been enjoined from enforcement as a result of over three decades of litigation brought by the ACLU of Illinois.

The bypass project educates young women about their rights under the parental notice law, and connects them with free attorneys who can help them navigate the judicial bypass process. This massive multi-pronged effort includes the recruitment and training of more than 100 volunteers to staff the tollfree hotline and provide pro bono legal services, a detailed website and online presence and the production of youth-friendly materials explaining the new laws and the resources available.

On November 3rd, the ACLU of Illinois asked a state court to block enforcement of Illinois' Parental Notice of Abortion Act. We presented extensive and compelling evidence that the newly-effective law puts Illinois teens at significant risk for serious and irreversible harm. Purportedly seeking to promote family communication, the law ignores some basic realities: first, most minors already involve their parents in their abortion decision; second, where they cannot, it is for good reason. The Cook County Circuit Court has issued a temporary restraining order against the Illinois Parental Noitce of Abortion Act, ensuring that it will not be enforced until further notice.

This case is important because the law fails to account for the fact that some families in our state live with violence and abuse and that forced notification regarding pregnancy and abortion will prompt an escalation in such violence, lead to new cases of abuse or neglect, and in many cases force young women to continue pregnancies they do not want in the face of increased medical risk and significant consequences for their lives.

The ACLU's suit demonstrates that this law is unnecessary and harmful and as such violates the protections afforded under the Illinois Constitution which are more expansive than those provided under federal law.