* Senate President Don Harmon on last night’s “At The Virtual Table” with Lynn Sweet and Laura Washington…
Q: You’re going to have a veto session coming up at the end of October. Given everything that’s been happening around abortion rights, given what Texas has done to restrict them, you have a chance in the veto session to repeal the parental notification [law] in Illinois, where if a girl needs an abortion, she has to [notify] her parents … What’s your view on that and should it and will it come up in the veto session?
A: I think many of us are horrified by what happened in Texas, and even more horrified by what didn’t happen in Washington DC, with the Supreme Court declining to intervene. I think that’s given many people pause and wondering if the next action the Supreme Court takes would be overturning Roe against Wade. In Illinois, over the last 15 years we have taken affirmative steps to make sure that no matter what happens in the Supreme Court a woman’s right to a comprehensive suite of reproductive health care services is available here in Illinois. I expect that we will turn to dealing with the last vestiges of that anti-choice of laws in Illinois as well as figuring out how best to respond to Texas. I was visiting with constituents this week who were telling me that local doctors are in fact getting patients coming from Texas now because of what happened there.
Q: So you do expect to take up specifically that parental notification and you have the votes don’t you to void it if need be?
A: We have a strongly pro choice chamber. I think we’re looking at that, as well as what we might do in direct response to the law in Texas.
Discuss.
…Adding… Rep. Kelly Cassidy was on the same program…
I left home when I was almost 17 and I’m incredibly thankful that I didn’t face this challenge, that I didn’t get pregnant. Because having to go back to the father that I ran from in the middle of the night, even to tell him, because frankly there’s very little difference between permission and notice. If I told my father, I would need proof that I told my father, which is him signing something that I told him. And if he doesn’t want to sign it, he’s not going to sign it. And so, we talk about notice as if it’s no big thing, but the truth is you can’t legislate good parental relationships, you can’t legislate how a family operates.
- PC load letter - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:18 am:
What other “healthcare” can children receive without sigh off from a parent?
- phocion - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:21 am:
Senate Dems may want to poll that issue before jumping in. Especially in the suburbs.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:27 am:
===may want to poll that issue===
You think the GOP here after what happened in Texas … want to vote no on an abortion bill?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:31 am:
It’s good politics in the new redistricting too, put GOP on the record with abortion, attach it to the Texas worries…
- Anonish - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:31 am:
PC Load given your use of quotes around healthcare leads me to think that you don’t want any woman having access to this particular medical procedure.
- Donnie Elgin - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:34 am:
“I think many of us are horrified by what happened in Texas, and even more horrified by what didn’t happen in Washington DC, with the Supreme Court declining to intervene”
So the Senate President is horrified by the legitimate actions of a state legislature and The judicial Power of the Supreme Court. I suppose he also is not a fan of the Constitutional Federal Republic form of Government.
He knows better than most that the actions of Texas regarding abortion have zero impact on IL, and that there is zero chance of a similar effort being passed here.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:34 am:
Have to go with OW on this one.
There’s not a serious “moderate” R in this state that wants to have anything to do with an abotion vote.
- phocion - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:37 am:
OW - as usual an inane, dishonest response. Eliminating parental notification isn’t the same thing being as pro-choice. Plenty of people support abortion rights but also want minors to get parental permission before getting an abortion. Ask a Naperville mom what she thinks instead of mansplaining for her.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:37 am:
===and that there is zero chance===
This state’s legislature used to be solidly anti-abortion. Who’s to say for sure that it couldn’t ever happen here again?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:38 am:
=== He knows better than most that the actions of Texas regarding abortion have zero impact on IL, and that there is zero chance of a similar effort being passed here.===
You afraid of GOPers here being no on an abortion bill with the Texas abortion issues?
That’s the point.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:40 am:
=== dishonest response===
Nope.
I can see the mail pieces now;
“Sen. X is dangerous for women’s health, even voting against an abortion bill. We don’t want Illinois to be the next Texas”
Yep. It’s not dishonest.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:41 am:
=== Ask a Naperville mom what she thinks instead of mansplaining for her.===
Narrator: - phocion - is speaking for Naperville moms
LOL
- Jocko - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:42 am:
==Plenty of people support abortion rights but also want minors to get parental permission before==
Because rapes only happen by strangers, never by members of the immediate/extended family, right?
- walker - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:44 am:
Wonder why some are promoting “parental rights” as a campaign theme that crosses multiple issues?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:45 am:
- phocion -
You should then want this vote.
Let the people know.
I’m surprised by your reaction you wouldn’t want all the GOPers voting on it.
- Osborne Smith III - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:51 am:
==What other “healthcare” can children receive without sigh off from a parent?==
Mental health, for one thing, after a certain age.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 10:56 am:
===Plenty of people support abortion rights===
Which Illinois Republican legislators do, and willing to do so with that in mind on this proposed bill?
- Pundent - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:00 am:
=Ask a Naperville mom what she thinks instead of mansplaining for her.=
Better yet ask Bruce Rauner about the consequences of being drawn into this. There’s a reason that we’re not hearing a peep from the ILGOP on this topic.
- Frank talks - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:03 am:
==What other “healthcare” can children receive without sigh off from a parent?==
Maybe getting a vaccine shot is something that kids may want instead of their crazy parents saying no. I’m sure a kid who isn’t showing symptoms tests negative but has to quarantine because they haven’t received the shot compared to another kid who is not showing symptoms, tests negative and had the shot and doesn’t have to quarantine. I’m guessing that first kid is looking and asking why they can’t get the shot?
- JJJJJJJJJJ - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:08 am:
==What other “healthcare” can children receive without sigh off from a parent?==
=Mental health, for one thing, after a certain age.=
Also thanks to recent legislation PREP and STD tests and treatment I believe.
Somehow people repeatedly confuse permission for notice. We do not require *permission* currently. It’s just notice. Which can only serve to strain parent/child relationships. One cannot legislate trust between a parent and child.
- Donnie Elgin - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:11 am:
I watched the entire show, Rich as usual did a great job. I was sort of struck by the fact that after a pannel of exclusively Dem legislators, discussing Dem issues (abortion, re-map) - then pivoted and spent the last 5 mnutes critiquing the GOP chances in the governor race. Be nice to have some level of GOP ballance.
- 62701 - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:12 am:
- don’t want any woman having access -
I guess having a differing opinion gets you blocked around here…
Abortion should remain safe and legal, but parents deserve to know if their child is having an invasive medical procedure that could result in serious side effects.
Jocko, there are legal channels if there is a rape.
- cermak_rd - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:19 am:
Most of the parents I know have children (including some in Naperville) who would actually turn to them for help in that situation and it would be the parent who would help in getting the abortion for the child and accompany them to the office.
So there would be no need in that type of relationship for a notice to be given to the parent. The only case where friction would form would be when the parent is anti-abortion,but is that really common in IL? I mean being anti-abortion enough to try to prevent your own daughter from having access to one?
- A Jack - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:27 am:
There is Judicial Bypass for those who don’t or can’t talk to their family. It had always been there and was added I believe especially for the argument of incest or a violent family member. I am middle ground on the abortion issue, but I don’t think reacting to what Texas or any other state does is a wise course.
- Kelly Cassidy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:33 am:
=== What other “healthcare” can children receive without sigh off from a parent?===
Childbirth.
- Simply Sayin' - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:33 am:
Parental notice is essential to make the parent aware of unsafe choices (unprotected sex, which can also lead to STIs) or sexual assault of their child (yes, we are talking about children) of a child hesitant to discuss these sensitive issues. The irresponsible/horrible parents (the abusers and assaulters) should not determine how us responsible parents should be able to access our children’s health (yes, including all of the other exceptions) and the law provides reasonable protection for such children (750 ILCS 70/20(4)). Having had a child with mental health issues, I know how ridiculous taking away parental knowledge of these issues are.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:36 am:
If it’s such a bad idea, or such a bad bill… why not embrace the opportunity to vote no on it?
That’s the point. Getting folks to be no on an abortion bill… if it passes, then the GOP should run on an anti-abortion platform… after Texas… in this climate.
- cermak_rd - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:48 am:
Simply Sayin’,
If a parent has a good relationship with their children and hasn’t made sex out to be a taboo topic of conversation, wouldn’t the parent be aware anyway? And have already talked to their children about such (for the sexual assault, unsafe sex issues)?
I don’t see where the law should be used to fix what looks like a relationship problem. And yes, I understand mental health issues makes all that harder.
- New Day - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:57 am:
“Childbirth.”
Touche Rep. Cassidy. Touche.
- Simply Sayin' - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:02 pm:
- cermak_rd - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 11:48 am
Utterly ridiculous statement. It is well known that persons subject to sexual assault as adults don’t always disclose, and a child has numerous other reasons why (they don’t even have the vast knowledge an adult has). Children don’t always tell their parents everything, especially if they are scarred. It doesn’t make the parents the problem, its just part of life.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:10 pm:
===Children don’t always tell their parents everything===
As a teen, my motto was what my parents don’t know won’t hurt them.
- Jibba - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:12 pm:
===legitimate actions of a state legislature===
The Texas law is unconstitutional on its face. Even Republicans agree, so it is hard to call it legitimate. They just assume the Supremes will take this opportunity to overturn precedent, which is not exactly the same thing.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:15 pm:
===Even Republicans agree, so it is hard to call it legitimate.===
Really? Which Republicans?
It’s on the books now, seems quite legit.
===They just assume the Supremes will take this opportunity to overturn precedent, which is not exactly the same thing.===
“Meanwhile”, the Texas law is in effect.
Republicans should want Harmon to call this bill, and have the opportunity to vote no.
- Unconventional wisdom - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:36 pm:
No easy answers. But if you have children you might think twice about them proceeding on their own actions as ‘adults’ when YOU are still legally responsible for them in so many ways. This defies common sense.
Perhaps there should be a judicial appeal process for minors. Perhaps the whole concept of legal responsibility for children should be totally revised.
- Yeah Right - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:38 pm:
99% of abortions have nothing to do with health of the mother that is “horrifying”.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:39 pm:
===Perhaps the whole concept of legal responsibility for children should be totally revised.===
Really, explain.
First parents need to be responsible, now it’s a new way for responsibility?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:43 pm:
=== 99% of abortions have nothing to do with health of the mother===
Are you a female? Have you carried a child?
Thing is, if Republicans wanna run on that very idea… they should embrace this bill, hope it comes to a vote and vote no.
If you’re saying it’s not health care…
- A Jack - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:43 pm:
We already showed them dastardly Texans with our IRHA in 2019. Does Illinois really need to go overboard with repealing parental notification?
- Pundent - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 12:59 pm:
=Even Republicans agree, so it is hard to call it legitimate.=
If Republicans agree they certainly aren’t saying as much. In fact what I am hearing are other states that are looking to pass similar laws.
- A Jack - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 1:12 pm:
I just don’t see even the most liberal parents being on-board with the repeal of parental notification. If Illinois really wants to show them Texans what’s what, they should pass a law allowing private citizens to sue gun dealers and manufacturers, for any sales that can be directly related to a crime. Given the Chicago situation, that would be a better Alamo for Illinois Democrats.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 1:14 pm:
===before passing gas===
I’m guessing you’ve never given birth.
- Pundent - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 1:23 pm:
=I need to make a doctor’s appointment before passing gas=
Good idea. You wouldn’t want to suffer a brain injury.
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 1:30 pm:
Kelly Cassidy…for the knockout.
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 1:32 pm:
If Men bore children…never mind.
- i - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 1:50 pm:
=First parents need to be responsible, now it’s a new way for responsibility? _
Please explain your comment as it relates to my post. Your comment seems to be ‘throw away’ rather than a real response. Many parents are very responsible but that doe snot always translate to appropriate behavior by their children. If you are a parent or have observed others you should know this.
- A Jack - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 2:12 pm:
The correct answer to what medical care can a child receive without parental notification is birth control. Any child over the age of 12 can receive birth control. Which I don’t see as a problem since most birth control measures are safe, effective, and non-intrusive. Abortions, on the other hand, can have complications and a parent should be notified in case Sally needs to be rushed to the emergency room.
- Unconventional wisdom - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 3:12 pm:
So a 13 year old should receive birth control without parental consent. Really?
Are there people posting on this site who have children who believe their child should receive birth control or abortion without their consent? If those people exist then I guess we will have to firmly disagree.
If parents have legal responsibility for a minor, then that minor is under their control (or at least should be). Period.
If the parents are irresponsible or abusive then there must be legal procedures to correct that issue.
- Manchester - Friday, Sep 24, 21 @ 3:30 pm:
“As a teen, my motto was what my parents don’t know won’t hurt them.”
Rich, as a teen my motto was what my parents don’t know won’t hurt ME. LOL
Honestly, it’s just two sides of the same coin.