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Proposed bill would make it harder for teens to get an abortion in Indiana without parental consent

Posted at 12:48 AM, Feb 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-24 15:06:34-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- It could soon be tougher for teens to get an abortion in the state of Indiana without their parent's knowledge. 

Right now, anyone under the age of 18 must get parental consent to have an abortion in Indiana unless they get a court order to have the procedure.

To get that court order, a teen has to prove that she’s mature enough to make the decision to have an abortion on her own or that it’s in her best interest.

Health care providers also have to notify the State Department of Health and the Department of Child Services if anyone under the age of 14 gets an abortion.

Under the new bill, a judge would no longer be able to rule on a petition from a minor unless there was proof that their parent was notified.

And health care providers would also have to alert the State Department of Health and DCS if anyone younger than 16 got an abortion.

The proposal will now head to the full Senate for a vote.

RELATED | Indiana's controversial abortion ban bill will not get committee hearing