Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2005

H.R. 2971, the Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2005, would establish federal requirements for physicians and facilities performing abortions on unemancipated minors. The bill would require that a parent be notified via certified mail or personal delivery at least 96 hours before the procedure can take place. It also grants parents the right to seek a federal court injunction to stop the procedure while legal proceedings are pending.

Under this legislation, exceptions would only be granted in cases of documented physical abuse by a parent or life-threatening medical emergencies where notification is impossible. Medical providers who fail to comply with these notification and waiting period requirements could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million. While the bill was introduced and referred to a subcommittee during the 109th Congress, it did not advance further and did not become law.