What is PNA?

Illinois’ forced Parental Notification of Abortion (PNA) is a law that harms young people. PNA mandates that when people 17 years old and younger decide to have an abortion, a healthcare provider must notify an adult family member at least 48 hours in advance of the procedure.

Though parents/guardians do not have to consent, PNA can and does put young people in danger. Research shows that youth who can tell their parents or caretakers do. But young people who don’t have those safe relationships have very real concerns about their well-being, and are the ones most likely to suffer harmful consequences.

We believe that young people deserve to be safe, affirmed, and healthy. We believe that young people have the capacity to make decisions for their health. We believe that we must TRUST YOUTH.

Youth are engaged. Youth are organized. And we are are all watching. Help us put an end to forced parental notice laws. Join us!

#AbortionStories

Take a listen to some of the stories we collected from young people about their experiences ending their pregnancies. We believe that these stories must be heard, especially in light of the national political climate and the 2013 enforcement of the Parental Notification for Abortion Act in Illinois.

#StopPNA Story Map

The StopPNA Story Map shows that Illinois youth and adults have something to say in opposition to the dangerous Parental Notification of Abortion (PNA) Law in Illinois. We began collecting stories as soon as the law went into effect in August 2013 and haven’t stopped since then.

Interact with the map by zooming in and out and clicking on points shows petition signatures, postcards people have signed and sent to their legislators, and stories people have written on t-shirts, and transcriptions of audio recordings of youth describing how a law like this impacts them.

Any news stories or signatures will be continuously added to this map. To share your story about parental notification, use this online form.

 RESOURCES

• Letter from ICAH’s School Network

• US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Title IX Recommendations

Based on the experience and recommendations of PPY and adult professionals from school, family, and healthcare systems, who co-wrote the policy, ICAH's proposed Model District Title IX Policy outlines support above what is included in federal law and includes the following: 

• Gender inclusive language to support students of any gender and sexual identity who are pregnant and parenting. Similarly, we use "chestfeeding/breastfeeding" language to acknowledge all of the diverse gender identities and bodies of PPY.

• Recommends all teachers and staff are required to be informed about the Title IX rights of PPY. We hope this helps the whole school community has the knowledge and resources to ensure PPY receive the education they deserve.

• Highlights the need for PPY to use excused absences when their child is sick, in addition to upholding HB2369, the 2018 law that mandates that schools provide a private space other than a bathroom for PPY to pump breast milk while at school.

• Incorporates "partner(s)" as a term for this document. We envision that this policy will apply to the variety of families that are a supportive resource to PPY as well as their partner(s). We suggest that partner(s) of PPY who are also students should also receive the same rights and privileges as PPY, especially if they serve as caretakers.

• Acknowledges that PPY students who have experienced sexual, dating, domestic or intimate partner violence or trauma and choose to continue their education as a PPY are additionally protected and entitled to an equitable education under Title IX.

• Highlights PPY who have different learning needs and differences in ability.

• Proposes that each school assign the role of pregnant and parenting student liaison (PPSL) to a school staff person, who will embody and uphold social justice and social work values to best support PPY. The PPSL would also be responsible for managing a PPY Student Support Team, which will serve to best advocate for the needs of the PPY student.