A bill that would strengthen the requirement for parental consent for minors seeking abortion passed the Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday.

Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) sponsored HB494, which passed 82 to 18.

“This bill makes crystal clear a process that has been enforced inconsistently at best in the state of Alabama,” Jones said. “In instances where a minor is seeking an abortion, it is imperative that they fully understand the ramifications of their decision and prove that they are wholly aware of its impact.”

The bill provides for identification and documentation requirements when a minor seeks to have an abortion with the consent of a parent or legal guardian and when the consent form is signed by the minor and parent or legal guardian in the presence of the physician. The bill establishes that a parent may not coerce a minor into undergoing an abortion.

The bill also helps clarify the judicial process if a minor seeks to have an abortion without consent from a parent or guardian.

This bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.