Spousal consent and notice laws require a pregnant woman to obtain written consent from, or give notice to, her husband prior to receiving abortion services.  Of course, most couples talk with each other when facing an unintended pregnancy.  However, for some women this may be dangerous.  A significant number of women in this country are victims of systematic physical and psychological abuse at the hands of their husbands.  Consent and notice requirements become a substantial obstacle when a woman fears for her safety and the safety of her children if she must tell an abusive husband about her decision to end a pregnancy.  More recent legislation on this issue requires a pregnant woman to obtain consent from, or give notice to, the man involved in the pregnancy regardless of her relationship with him.  Such a requirement can delay a woman from seeking earlier, safer abortion care, thus putting her health at risk.  Moreover, consent and notice requirements give men authority over a woman's personal, private decisions.