NH abortion travel ban morphs to cover travel for all surgeries for minors, passes House
The bill's original language would have made the transportation of most minors for an abortion without parental consent illegal. Opponents decried it as an abortion travel ban, while supporters said its aim was to prevent sex trafficking.
However, the bill, HB 191, was amended to replace the word abortion with 'a surgical procedure.' Now, the bill makes transporting most minors for a surgical procedure without notarized parental consent a class A misdemeanor, which can include jail time and a fine.
The bill passed 180 to 164.
The bill does not define what a surgical procedure would be. It makes exceptions for an ambulance driver or a common carrier like a taxi and would not apply to emancipated minors.
'Whether it be an abortion, gender reassignment, or plastic surgery, parents and guardians must be involved in these important decisions. Surgery performed without their knowledge can end tragically,' wrote Rep. Terry Roy, R-Deerfield. 'Also important, is a parent's absolute right to decide what is best for their children.'
Opponents said that needing a notarized document for anyone who is not a parent is too high a burden. They also argued that the vague language makes it unclear what would be impacted and how it would be enforced.
'Even though the word abortion has been removed from the bill as amended, it is unclear if this would still impact abortion. None of the terms are defined,' said Rep. Jodi Newell. 'So how can we be sure that the bill isn't an attempt to further restrict abortion?'
The bill still faces several steps before it could become law. It is unclear whether the Senate or Gov. Kelly Ayotte will support the bill.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH abortion travel ban morphs to cover bringing minors to all surgeries
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