In January, a pro-choice majority took over in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. For the first time since the late 1800s, the New Hampshire House and Senate are controlled by Democrats and a bipartisan pro-choice majority is running the show. And yesterday, that pro-choice majority in the House shot down a parental notification law that had been on the books since it narrowly passed in 2003. This is a huge victory for New Hampshire.
The law prevents doctors from performing an abortion for a teenager under the age of 18 until 48 hours after a parent has been notified. And it has no medical emergency exception to protect a pregnant teenager’s health. This law was always about politics, and not the health and safety of young women New Hampshire. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed that the Constitution demands a health exception.
Dawn Touzin, vice president of Public Policy and Government Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) said it best:
"We refused to accept that the courthouse — not a medical office — is the best place for our patients facing a serious health risk or medical emergency."
For too long, divisive politics in New Hampshire have wasted far too many state and private dollars that could have been better spent on education and health resources to prevent unintended pregnancies. Yesterday’s win is a huge step toward ending divisive politics, and working to protect the health and safety of young women.
Next stop is the Senate where the repeal bill is expected to pass, and then on to the Governor’s desk, where he will almost certainly pick up the pen and confirm this victory. It's so nice to see what can happen when a state's House, Senate AND Governor are pro-choice.