Missouri House panel talks new process for minors' abortions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Republican lawmakers want to expand notification requirements for minors in the state seeking abortions.

Current state law requires only one parent to give consent for a minor to get an abortion; the other parent does not have to be notified.

A bill presented Tuesday at a House hearing would change that and require notification of both parents, with some exceptions.

Supporters say this brings the procedure in line with requirements for other medical decisions.

A second bill changes the process of consent, requiring notarized proof of the parent or guardian's identity and that they sign off on state-mandated information about abortion.

It also alters how minors obtain a court order to get an abortion independently in a way opponents say is more burdensome.