Mandatory Parental Involvement
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If a teen discovers she’s pregnant, what does she do? Ideally, she would be able to discuss it with her parents and have their support in making a decision. Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world. For a variety of reasons, including fear of abuse, teenagers frequently feel they cannot tell their parents about their unintended pregnancies or desire to have an abortion.
Yet many states have laws that mandate at least one parent’s involvement in the abortion decision. Teenagers who cannot tell their parents must either travel out of those states or obtain approval through a court or some other alternative process. The resulting delay increases the physical and emotional health risks to the teenager, since the earlier an abortion is, the safer it is.
Some members of Congress would like to make it even harder for teens to obtain abortions in states that already have mandatory parental involvement laws. Anti-choice officials want to make it a federal crime to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion unless the parental involvement requirements of her home state are met. If the bill passes, an aunt, a grandmother, or a friend who helps a teen will be subject to prison, fines, and civil suits.
Congress should not make a criminal out of a loving and responsible relative or a friend who helps a teenager obtain a legal procedure. The best way to protect young women is by providing them with information and education about how to stay safe and healthy.
Join the Planned Parenthood Action Network and stay informed about protecting America’s teenagers, and opposing legislation that endangers their health and lives!
Published: 05.05.08 | Updated: 05.05.08
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