California Special Election : Proposition 73.
Waiting Period and Parental Notification For Minors Seeking Abortion
[ Official Initiative Information ]
- Prohibits abortion for unemancipated minors until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent/legal guardian, except in medical emergencies
- Defines abortion as causing "death of the unborn child, a child conceived but not yet born."
- Permits minor to obtain court ruling waiving notice based on clear, convincing evidence of minor's maturity or best interests.
This amendment to the state's constitution would require all minors seeking abortion to have their parents or legal guardian notified 48 hours before the procedure. This notice should not be confused with permission. The law only requires the physician to inform the parents of the abortion, not ask or require permission for the procedure.
Argument For: [ www.yeson73.net ]
A daughter under 18 cannot get an aspirin from a school nurse, a flu shot or have a tooth pulled without a parent knowing. However, surgical or chemical abortions can be performed on minor girls-even 13 years or younger-without parents' knowledge. Parents have a right to know what is happening to their children. Over 30 states already have such laws like this and they are shown to reduce the number of abortions being performed. Finally, an informed parent can also get prompt care for hemorrhage, infections, and other possibly fatal complications from a daughters abortion.
Argument Against: [ www.noonproposition73.org ]
Parents rightfully want to be involved in their teenagers lives but good family communication can't be imposed by government. Teenagers who have good relationships with their parents might be afraid to talk to them about something as sensitive as pregnancy. This law puts those vulnerable teenagers-those who most need protection-in harm's way, or forces them to go to court. As parents, our daughter's safety is more important than our desire to be informed.
My Conclusion: Vote Yes on Prop 73
Parents are ultimately responsible for the development, care, health, and safety of their children. No government body or outside institution, except in extreme circumstances (abuse, exploitation, neglect), has the right to interfere in raising one's children. The government usurps the direct authority of the parents in allowing, even sanctioning, minors to obtain abortions without their rightful notice or consent.
Having an abortion is a huge experience. Her family is, first and foremost, the rightful place to be cared for. Being informed and a part of the decision, they can care for their daughter, emotionally and physically, and help her get through this huge decision. Also, parental notification ensures that follow-up care to avert potential medical risks.
Opponents worry that this law will put some girls at risk because of difficult or abusive family environments. The law does allow for extreme cases where telling a parent would not be in the best interests of the child. This is a good thing. If a child is in a situation where telling the parents of an abortion would be harmful to the child, a child services agency should be called in. Additionally, United States Supreme Court has upheld parental involvement laws with judicial bypass provisions like this initiative.
Supporters of this law argue that this initiative will reduce the number of abortions being performed each year. This would be a good thing. However good and right this may be, it is a secondary benefit. The larger scope of this law helps restore a more proper balance between the autonomy of the family as it relates to the coercive power of the state. The state should provide a safe and free society in which families can grow and prosper. The state has no right to usurp the rights and responsibilities of parents in regard to their children. This law helps restore that authority to the parents.
See Also: Does the State Supercede Parent's Rights?
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hay!!
good project :)
senks :)
Posted by: FreeStoring | Tuesday, 11 December 2007 at 05:08 PM