Chicago, IL: Illinois parents and activists advocate for a ballot measure to protect young people.
“Today is about raising awareness about parental rights, talking more about the issues and how we got to this point and encouraging the community to become more educated and empowered so they can become advocates for their own families,” Tracy Smodilla said.
She oversees the Parents Matter Coalition’s “Right to Parent” ballot initiative.
They aim to gather 500,000 signatures for a proposed referendum that would mandate parental consent for minors to access specific medical treatments, including gender-related procedures or therapy.
Smodilla mentioned that many of those gathered at New Life Family Center Church were not informed about recent legislative changes that impact parental notification for abortion and other healthcare procedures.
This will be a major landmark in the state if their demands are considered and acted upon by the lawmakers.