Girls younger than 18 will need a parent's permission before they can have an abortion under a bill signed Thursday by Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.
The old law required notification of at least one parent, but not permission.
The new law allows minor girls to seek an exception in Juvenile Court to the parental consent rule - but not the notification requirement - in cases of abuse, incest or estrangement from their parents, or when a doctor determines the life or health of the girl is at risk.
Huntsman "supports efforts to restrict abortion, except in instances in rape or incest, or where necessary to preserve the life of the mother," said Mike Mower, the governor's deputy chief of staff.
Data from the state Health Department indicate Utah has one of the lowest abortion rates in the country. In 2003, the most recent year statistics are available, there were 3,338 abortions statewide.
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