SPRINGFIELD - A controversial plan to require minors to talk with either their parents or medical professionals before having an abortion was defeated in the Illinois House Thursday.

The state has had a law on the books for years requiring girls to either tell their parents before having an abortion or go before a judge. But courts have prevented that law from being enforced.

So now, girls in Illinois now don't have to tell anyone before having an abortion.

But the plan debated Thursday was chided by opponents because minors could get around telling their parents before having an abortion by seeking counseling from a doctor, nurse or social worker instead.

State Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill, said while kids might get advice from medical professionals when they're young, they likely would need family support as they grew older.

"Make no mistake about it, this is a huge decision," he said.

The plan was defeated 55-62, needing 60 votes for approval.

The measure's sponsor, state Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago, argued that counseling in a doctor's office was better than a judge's courtroom if a girl didn't want to tell her parents about wanting an abortion.

"I trust a doctor before I trust a judge," he said.

In the days before Thursday's vote, lobbying groups secured support for the plan from several state executives, including Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Pam Sutherland said she thought they had enough support, but a long debate may have misled people.

"I think in the debate this afternoon, people just got confused," she said.

Bloomington

All central Illinois lawmakers voted against the legislation.

Decatur

All central Illinois lawmakers voted against the legislation.

Quad-cities

State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, and state Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, voted for the legislation.

Mattoon/Charleston

All central Illinois lawmakers voted against the legislation.

Southern Illinois

All Southern Illinois lawmakers voted against the legislation.

DeKalb

All DeKalb-area lawmakers voted against the legislation.

The legislation is House Bill 317.

mike.riopell@lee.net

(217) 789-0865