I was wanting to talk about the issue of teenagers and abortions in this weeks blog. I found this article about how Ohio passed laws to keep minors from getting abortions with out parental consent. I have mixed feelings about this issue. I think that it is a good idea that teenagers, especially minors, should have parental consent to get an abortion. I think that this will allow the teen to have the support from her family that she will need after going through such a traumatic event. On the other hand I feel as if the reasoning Ohio is trying to get this law passed is completely wrong. In the article it talks about how the only reason they want to pass this law is because they are more of a Pro-life state. I think that if they want to have this law they need to have it for the right reasons. This law does not allow girls who might get pregnant to be able to get an abortion even if they know they can not tell their parents because of maybe abusive parents or not understanding.
My questions for you are: What is your take on this law? Do you think it is fair to take away the present law just to "save" lives?
-Sam F.
I personally hate laws like these; they are paternalistic, degrading, and unnecessary. If a young person can't make a decision about her own body, how is she going to be expected to raise a child? it's just ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteWhen a teenager turns of age, they do not suddenly become better equipped to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. When they are underage, that does not mean their bodies and reproductive choices should be any less theirs. They have to deal with the outcome of that pregnancy, not anyone else.
I have to agree with Cat. Its the teenagers body she should be able to do what she wants with it. I dont know how I feel about the minors getting an abortion without parental consent. I go both ways with this because there are some girls that dont want there parents to know but if you have to have your parents consent though it could be helpful too because your family MIGHT support you. But it could easily go the other way and the girls parents tell her she is not getting an abortion. I dont think thats right that the only reason they want to pass this law is because Ohio wants to become more Pro life. They need to think about these teens and if they cant get these abortions whats gonna happy to the girl and her baby? She might not have the finanical support and who knows she could do something to herself to lose the baby during pregnacy.
ReplyDeleteJamie B.
I agree with Jamie and Cat. The law is very restricting to pregnant teens. Many teens are in a situation in which asking their parent for permission to have an abortion would be terrible and worse than simply having the baby. It is unfair to force some women into having their child if they are in a situation where they can't ask their parents about an abortion. If a woman was able to make the choices in order to get pregnant, she should be able to make decisions about her own life and body. She knows her position in life, future goals, and moral opinions better than anyone else, and therefore should be able to make the final decision - which would likely involve seeking counsel from role models, such as parents, but not require specific parental consent because of cases where parents would overbear their daughter and not allow her to make her own decision.
ReplyDelete-Ami J.