|
|
Timeline: Ayotte v. Planned ParenthoodThis timeline documents key events in the debate over New Hampshire's parental notification laws. A link to related stories and programs from NHPR and National Public Radio are included as well. 2003March 7: The House Judiciary Committee holds public hearings on parental notification. It's the third time the House has considered parental notification in as many years. March 18: The House Judiciary Committee recommends the bill to the full House, 11 to 10. March 25: The full state House passes the bill 187 to 181. May 13: The Senate Judiciary Committee amends the House bill, replacing the parental notification clause with a requirement that abortion counselors tell minors about abortion alternatives and encourage them to discuss the issue with their parents. The amendment passes 3 to 2. Stories and Programs:
May 22: After nearly three hours of debate, amendments and discussion, the full Senate restores the parental notification clause and passes the bill 12 to 11. Stories and Programs:
May 30: The state House passes the Senate version of the bill by 21 votes, sending it to Governor Craig Benson. Stories and Programs:
June 19: Governor Benson signs parental notification into law. It is the first new abortion law enacted since the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973. The law is set to take effect December 31. November 17: Planned Parenthood of Northern New England files suit in federal court to block New Hampshire's parental notification law. Stories and Programs:
December 29: U.S. District Judge Joseph DiClerico rules that the parental notification law is unconstitutional because it did not provide an exception for a medical emergency. 2004August 6: The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston hears oral arguments in the state's appeal to reinstate the law. November 24: The Circuit Court of Appeals affirms DiClerico's ruling that the law is unconstitutional. 2005February: Attorney General Kelly Ayotte appeals the circuit court decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. May 23: The Supreme Court announces it will review New Hampshire's parental notification law. Stories and Programs:
July 1: Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announces she will retire from the Supreme Court. President Bush's choice to replace O'Connor, long considered a "swing vote" on the Court, could change the Court's position on Ayotte. Stories and Programs:
August 8: The U.S. Justice Department files a brief with the Supreme Court arguing New Hampshire's parental notification law is constitutional. October 3: The U.S. Supreme Court opens its new term, its first under Chief Justice John Roberts. Ayotte vs. Planned Parenthood is one of the most high-profile cases facing the court. Stories and Programs:
October 12: Governor John Lynch files an amicus brief with the Supreme Court asking it to rule the parental notification law is unconstitutional. November 30: The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood. The case receives national attention for being the first abortion case heard by the John Roberts court. Stories and Programs: 2006January 18: The U.S. Supreme Court orders a lower court to reconsider the constitutionality of the law. The unanimous decision states that the lower court was wrong to permanently strike down the restrictions. Stories and Programs:
|
Support FromHighlightsNavigationUser login |
