Washington State could soon require youth shelters to hide minors who run away from home in order to obtain an abortion or sex change operations without parental consent.
The Washington House of Representatives this week passed Senate Bill 5599, which would eliminate a law that requires youth shelters to alert parents when their child checks in, unless there is evidence the child is being abused. The proposal would widen the scope of what constitutes a “compelling reason” to conceal a minor to include youths seeking sex change operations or “reproductive health services,” like abortion. The bill, which the Senate passed in March, now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D.) desk for a signature.
This is the latest blue state effort to help minors obtain controversial medical procedures without parental consent. Lawmakers in Oregon, Minnesota, and Colorado have all passed legislation designed to make their states “safe havens” for youths seeking sex changes or abortions. California Democrats recently advanced a bill that would allow children as young as 12 check into a group home without parent consent.
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