Please ask your State Senator to SUPPORT SB1594, which would repeal the Parental Notification of Abortion Act. This bill would repeal an act that requires a healthcare provider to notify an adult family member at least 48 hours prior to performing an abortion for a patient under 18. The bill is on 2nd reading in the Senate.
The minority of teens who cannot tell a parent about an unplanned pregnancy usually have good reasons for not doing so. They fear
physical or emotional abuse
loss of shelter or financial support
being forced to have a child against their will
In addition, some have parents who are seriously ill or imprisoned.
Since a judicial bypass law went into effect in 2013, 99.5% of the requests were granted because judges believed minors, with the input of their health care provider, were mature enough to make this decision independently.
This is consistent with the LWVUS position that we protect the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices.
Margaret O'Hara and Janet Craft, Reproductive Health Specialists
TIME FOR ACTION: Coal Tar Sealants
ACTION NEEDED:
Ask your State Senator to support SB1184, which gives municipalities and counties the authority to ban the sale and use of toxic pavement sealant products. The bill is on 2nd reading.
Coal tar and some other sealants used on paved surfaces contain high levels of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Sealants wear away over time, allowing PAH particles to contaminate our homes and our environment.
High levels of PAHs are significant threats to human health and aquatic life.
A 2016 American Medical Association policy calls for legislation to ban the use of high PAH sealants or for mandates on the use of minimal PAH products.
Safer alternatives exist that have 1000x lower levels of PAHs and are readily available.
Several local Leagues have successfully fought for local bans of these sealants. Currently, non-homerule communities lack authority to adopt such a ban. This bill would expand the authority to all Illinois municipalities and counties.
