Quote:
Originally posted by sgtclub
I guess this all comes down to how mature we each view this hypothetical teen. You, RT, and Fringe all seem to think that her failure to consult with you or your wife is based on faulty parenting. I think there are a whole host of reasons why this could be the case, including, that she is just embarassed about it bringing it up, but would really like to have the support/discussion anyway.
|
I think it all comes down to whether government should assume the role of parent. Or whether government should presume that all parents -- including those of 14 yo girls who get pregant and don't want to talk to their parents before getting abortions -- are really good parents. (Burger -- I think -- suggested this, and said it was a rebuttable presumption. I suppose he will support providing paid representation for the 14 so that she can marshall her evidence and presentation to the court, right?)
Does this 14 yo really want to talk to her parents, but needs a push to do so? That may well be the case, but if I'm a good parent who is involved with her life then there will be opportunities for her to talk to me, or for me to see something is wrong and give her a push. The idea of government forcing her to talk to me -- something she really, truly may not want, and may have very good reasons for not wanting (but not sufficient evidence to convince a trier of fact, especially when appearing
in pro per -- is what I think is wrong.
My sister was not particularly mature when she was 15. If she'd gotten pregnant and had an abortion, she would have been absolutely nuts to discuss it with my parents. Yet, I doubt she could have convinced a court to waive the requirement. Perhaps an abortion provider, or some other counselor, should have suggested that she really should talk to her parents. But she should not have been forced to do so.
eta an important missing phrase.
