Fate of abortion notification law unclear

By The Associated Press

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CHICAGO (AP) — It's unclear if Illinois will start enforcing a hotly debated abortion notification law this week after all.

After decades of legal wrangling, it appeared the law requiring physicians to notify parents before their teenage daughters get an abortion would take effect Tuesday.

But state regulators now say a grace period for doctors has been extended several days.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation granted an initial 90-day grace period in August.

But spokeswoman Susan Hofer says the agency issued an extension late Friday. It'll remain until the state's Medical Disciplinary Board meets on Wednesday.

The board could ask for another extension. It also could ask that authorities to start enforcing the law immediately.