Washington House Passes Bill Allowing No Parental Notification Of Runaways If Child Seeking Abortion, Sex Change
By Leif Le Mahieu
Democrats in Washington state have passed a new law that would allow shelters that take in runaway children to not notify the parents if the child is seeking sex change procedures or an abortion.
The bill, which passed the Democrat-controlled House on Wednesday by a vote of 57-39, had previously passed in the state Senate, meaning it could soon head to the desk of Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee. Before that, the state Senate needs to vote on an amendment that the House added.
The bill adds text to Washington state law meaning that “a minor is seeking or receiving protected health care services” including “gender-affirming care” and “reproductive health care” can be a “compelling reason” for shelters to not notify parents, but instead notify the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). An amendment added in the House gives the DCYF the ability to make the decision whether or not to contact the parents of the runaway child.
“Therefore, the legislature intends to remove barriers to accessing temporary, licensed shelter accommodations for youth seeking certain protected health care services,” the bill reads.