Arkansas Code Title 20. Public Health and Welfare § 20-16-802. Legislative findings and purpose

(1) Immature minors often lack the ability to make fully informed choices that take into account both immediate and long-range consequences;

(2) The medical, emotional, and psychological consequences of abortion are sometimes serious and can be lasting, particularly when the minor is immature;

(3) The capacity to become pregnant and the capacity for mature judgment concerning the wisdom of an abortion are not necessarily related;

(4) Parents ordinarily possess information essential to a physician's exercise of his or her best medical judgment concerning the minor daughter;

(5) Parents who are aware that their minor daughter has had an abortion may better ensure that she receives adequate medical attention after her abortion; and

(6) Parental consultation is usually desirable and in the best interests of the minor.

(1) Protecting minors against their own immaturity;

(2) Fostering family unity and preserving the family as a viable social unit;

(3) Protecting the constitutional rights of parents to rear children who are members of their household;

(4) Reducing teenage pregnancy and abortion; and

(5) In light of the foregoing statements of purpose, allowing for judicial bypasses of the parental notice requirement to be made only in exceptional or rare circumstances.