SALEM - A bill to require doctors to notify parents before performing abortions on minors is headed for a vote in the Oregon House - and a likely veto even if it wins legislative approval.

Backers of the bill say parents should have the right to know when their teenage daughters are seeking an abortion. But foes say it would endanger girls who are in abusive homes.

The measure, which was approved Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee, is similar to a bill passed by the 1999 Legislature but vetoed by then-Gov. John Kitzhaber.

Patterned after notification laws in 24 other states, the Oregon proposal is a top priority of House Speaker Karen Minnis.

"This issue enjoys wide support among the public, so I hope all House and Senate members will give it due consideration," the Wood Village Republican said.

The bill would face a near certain veto from Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski, a longtime backer of abortion rights.

"This is a governor who is pro-choice," Kulongoski spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said. "He has been very clear on that."

Under the bill, doctors would be required to notify parents before performing an abortion on a girl younger than 18.

Also, teens who fear they would be putting themselves at risk by having their parents notified about an abortion would be entitled to appeal through a formal administrative procedure.