April 28, 2005

You have no choice.

From the NYTimes:

"The House passed a bill on Wednesday making it a federal crime for any adult to transport an under-age girl across state lines to have an abortion without the consent of her parents."

Representatve Nita Lowey of NY on the decision:

"'Under this legislation, those who feel they cannot turn to their parents when facing an unintended pregnancy will be forced to fend for themselves without any help from a responsible adult. Some will seek unsafe abortions close to home. Others will travel to unfamiliar places seeking abortions by themselves.'"

This, combined with a parental notification initiative penned for the California special election ballot places girls living in abusive households in an ever more precarious position. Sure, it'd be nice if everyone had a communicative, loving relationship with their parents, and could involve them in such a difficult decision. But there must be provisions for those who can't, and this cannot be made a judge's decision...if a girl feels shamed, what makes people think she would be comfortable discussing her situation in court? Why don't we protect the lives and well-being of the women and girls we have before we consider the potential life she might be forced to bring into the world?

1 comment:

_ said...

Just another instance of the Feds trying to dicate legislation to the female uterus. Get the hell out of there, you sons of bitches! Now instead of turning to your cool aunt or uncle to fix a screw-up, you gotta go to your parents, or worse, the closet hanger. :(