Do you think its right that kids can have abortions without their parents being told?

Answer 1

Depends on the kids and on the parents.
There are some teens who are perfectly able to handle a medical procedure on their own or with friends, etc., and who feel that notification of the parents invades their privacy. And there are certainly parents who would beat the kid within an inch of her life or tell her she's doomed to hellfire or whatever. In many cases, notification is inappropriate because it would serve no purpose but to place the child in harm's way. And, if the child is entitled to an abortion regardless of notification, it is irrelevant. Finally, one must wonder why a child wouldn't want parental notification. After all, the child knows her parents better than the government does, and can better estimate the reception of such news. Are the parents loving nurturers who will understand and hold the child's hand, or beat her to death? The child knows better than the government, and it seems unnecessarily intrusive to have a bunch of senators and representatives making the decision of notification for her from the capital. That's not the place of the government.
Also, is the child married? If so, governmental action in this regard seems absurd.
On the other hand, if parental notification will allow the parents to obtain better services or have the procedure covered or would be willing to offer guidance and understanding, I can understand the desire for notification.
Sadly, those who desire notification generally want it as a means of controlling a child or talking her out of the procedure or worse. Notification becomes a threat - "have the baby or else". And therein lies the problem. If that's the reason for notification laws, it's inappropriate.

Bottom line - my vote is for a case-by-case basis with strong weight given to the wishes of the child.

Answer 2

i've been reading the answers on here and i think that some people believe the question reads: do you think it's right that kids SHOULD have abortions without their parents being told, instead of CAN.

i think it's right that they CAN have an abortion if they choose. there is absolutely no way that anyone, especially you and me, could know all the circumstances of each individual pregnancy and so we cannot possibly set parameters for whom an abortion is available to.

even the most hardened pro-life person would surely be sympathetic to a 15 year old girl who was raped by her father and she feels she would be in physical danger if her jealous mother found out? i know this is extremely far fetched, but it is still a plausible situation. (unfortunately). do we tell her that she CANNOT have an abortion? that her parents HAVE to know about her pregnancy? Regardless of her physical and emotional well-being?

I truly hope that my daughter will be much, much older (and hopefully married!) before she has a child, but i am lucky enough to feel that she has enough information about sex etc not to get pregnant as a teenager and that she would come to me immediately. she knows that i'm supportive of her and i hope this lasts through those teenage years!

unfortunately there are kids out there that don't have anyone in their lives that they can turn to, the yearly figures of teenage suicides etc worldwide are heartbreakingly tragic. sex education isn't always enough and don't forget to include peer pressure and sometimes alcohol and drugs into the picture. it's not easy being a teenager, even in the most loving of homes, and for those without that....well, it must be so very hard.

I don't believe that children SHOULD have abortions without their parent's knowledge. But i think they SHOULD BE ABLE to, for the reasons stated above. There's a world of a difference between the two.

Answer 3

No I don't believe it is right for kids (Children) to have abortions with out the parents being notified. It is like getting a tattoo. You have to be a certain age, or the kid needs parental permission. So it should be the same. Considering having an abortion should be considered more important than getting a tattoo.

If a kid is in a home that the environment is not safe the should seek help not sex and pregnancy.

Answer 4

This can happen in the UK and No, I dont think its right.

Up to the age of 16, a parent is legally responsible for a child. Without written permission, a child cant go on school trips, and if they are injured or ill at school, the parents are contacted. They cannot enter into contractual agreements, cannot leave school, or work (significantly) and cannot legally have sex, yet, if they seek contraceptive advice (and abortion is included in this) its all done confidentially.

Parents are blamed for their childs actions,and can even be fined in some cases, or ordered to attend parenting classes. So with one hand parents are given the responsibility, but on the other hand not the information, which should be theirs by right.

Under 16s are CHILDREN, and a childhood pregnancy is a big issue for the FAMILY, and it is there that it needs to be addressed. The child may not be aware of the support that the family may offer, and may be acting out of fear, and may well live to regret it. By denying involvement the authorities are undermining the parents.

Answer 5

Although abortion is a terrible thing, it happens. And looking at the situation from the best perspective you would think that a child needs to tell their parents about it. But the situation isn't always good at home. What if the family is abusive and the child could be severely punished for being pregnant? What if a member of the family is the father? There are many terrible situations that can occur and this law is far too broad and doesn't take these dangerous situations into account.

Answer 6

Yes.

When you reach a certain age, even your family doctor cannot divulge any information to your parents without your consent.

I'm hoping that girls that do require an abortion at a young age, will realize the mistake they've made and not commit it again.

They are dealing with their problem on their own and I don't believe that they should have to tell their parents.

Although I've never had to have an abortion, I have taken the morning after pill because of a scare and my parents still know nothing about it. I'm 24 now and I was 19 when it happened.

Answer 7

A child cannot have a cut sewn up or a broken arm set without a parents signture but places like Planned Parenthood seem to think a minor can get an abortion without notifying the parent. Something is so wrong with this.

Answer 8

yes, to a certain point. I don't think a 12 year old should be getting an abortion without their parents knowledge. However, I think it's okay for someone 15 or over. I know this is probably rare, but what if the girl is pregnant by her abusive father?

Answer 9

No, parents have the right to know any medical procedure done on their children. There is a recovery period after abortion and parents whould be alerted to the complications that can arise. A child cant get a tatoo or piercing without parents permission, and this is much more serious.

Answer 10

Up to the age of 16, a parent is legally responsible for a child. Without written permission, a child cant go on school trips, and if they are injured or ill at school, the parents are contacted. They cannot enter into contractual agreements, cannot leave school, or work (significantly) and cannot legally have sex, yet, if they seek contraceptive advice (and abortion is included in this) its all done confidentially.