Nevada’s parental notification law for minors now in effect

40-year-old law requires doctors to alert guardians before minors get abortions

As of this week, Nevada’s long-dormant parental notification law—first enacted in 1985—is officially in force. The law mandates that doctors provide advance notice to a minor’s parent or guardian before performing an abortion, although teens may still seek a judicial bypass to proceed without parental disclosure.

Legal journey behind the law

The law remained unenforceable for decades after being blocked in federal court, consistent with the protections under Roe v. Wade. However, following the overturning of Roe in 2022, a federal district court judge lifted the injunction, allowing the statute to take effect.

Planned Parenthood and a physician using a pseudonym (“Dr. Doe”) immediately filed suit in state court, challenging the law’s vagueness, due process flaws, and lack of exceptions for minors facing abuse or neglect.

Supporters vs. critics

• Supporters: Advocates, including Nevada Right to Life, hail the law as a crucial step toward family involvement in sensitive medical decisions. “Parents can now participate in supporting their children,” an advocate stated, emphasizing the law doesn’t restrict access—only ensures notification.
  
• Opponents: Planned Parenthood warns that without clear guidelines, healthcare providers may face criminal penalties due to uncertainty over compliance. They argue the judicial bypass process is opaque and burdensome, potentially delaying critical care for minors—including those suffering abuse or in foster care.
  

What minors and families should know

• Minors are required to notify a parent or guardian before undergoing an abortion, unless a bypass order is granted.
  
• If guardians can’t be reached after “reasonable effort”, doctors may proceed once they send certified notification.
  
• A judicial bypass is available for minors in exceptional circumstances, though no formal standards currently clarify the process.
  

What’s next

Nevada Right to Life has expressed hopes to uphold the law, while Planned Parenthood’s challenge will advance through state courts—potentially reaching the Nevada Supreme Court. Both sides are bracing for a fight that could take several months.Meanwhile, Nevada continues to allow abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for life or health emergencies.

Image Source: https://www.kolotv.com/2025/07/24/nevada-parental-notification-law-is-now-effect-after-decades/

Category: State News, Health
Subcategory: State Policies
Date: 07/24/2025