Do parents have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion? |
I support parents having the right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion, it is not a matter of sole confidentiality, it will protect from abuse.
If teenagers went around acting immature, got pregnant and wanted an abortion after so that their parents would not find out, chances are if they feel that have the right to get away with such an act, they will do it over and over. Parents should definitely have the right to know what their children are up to otherwise there is not sense in being given the role of a parent or referring to someone as their child. The parents will act as the barrier that may prevent a child from going out and engaging in such behavior again. If the parents are not given a right, the children will most likely abuse it.
Posted by: MyHierChildren are still minors, therefore it is the parent's duty to know about their child's pregnancy.
Do parents have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion? That is an emphatic yes. A child is still a minor, that means that the duties of that individual's well-being fall directly on the parents. That child is legally not old enough to make his or her decisions on matters of this gravity. If a child is given the right to withhold a pregnancy or abortion from their parents, then what is the point of being a parent in the first place? We might as well give that child the full privileges of being an adult. Pregnancy and abortion are grown up issues that should be addressed by a grown up, and it is their duty to look after that child.
Posted by: gwynisinThey are the people who brought us to this world
They are our creators and the agents of our ethics, they have the full right to know. I'm sure everyone will agree that teenagers don't make the best decisions. They need a parental guidance to help them make this drastic decision. I must say it is the parents fault for not raising the child to understand that getting pregnant this young is a huuuuge mistake.
Posted by: Nasrri88A hormonal, hyperreactive teenager should not get the only voice when she gets pregnant.
It is nonsensical that a teenager might be too young to drink or vote or be held to her contracts or join the military or marry without her parents' consent or even drive, but can get an abortion without her parents' knowledge and without consulting either with them or a with a judge. It's a significant medical procedure with huge potential physical, moral, psychological, emotional, and social implications for the rest of her life; she can't just get an abortion and pretend she was never pregnant. Parents have a right to be involved in making such a momentous decision, even if not given the final decision. They deserve to know what's going on in the child's life and be involved in such life-changing decisions.
Posted by: LamarquiseParents should have the right to know
How many times do kids come home and have their parents ask them: "So, what did you learn in school today?" A school day's-worth of deucation can change a simple test score, an abortion can change a life. A young person's brain is not fully developed until age 21 or later and they can't make the best decisions on their own. Parents at least have the wisdom that comes from experiencing parenthood and deserve consultation on such an impactful decision.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe parents should have the right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion, because they are ultimately responsible for the child's care until she is eighteen.
With the exception of a few circumstances, parents are responsible for their children's mental and physical health until they are adults. A child should not be allowed to make such a huge and potentially damaging decision about their health without a parent's knowledge. I understand the argument against telling unreasonable, angry parents and the increased risk of back alley abortions, but data suggests that the risk of complications is far greater than the likelihood of either of these the two scenarios playing out. I am a strong Democrat and believe in an adult woman's right to choose. I do not believe in a child's right to choose because in most cases, the parents will step up and deal with the pregnancy in a rational manner. This issue cannot be solved to please everyone, and I count on the fact that there are far more rational, well-meaning parents out there with generally good girls than child abusers and desperate teens.
Posted by: taitavaParents have every right to know about their child's pregnancy and/or abortion if they are under the age of eighteen.
Parents' are responsible for their children's actions until they reach adulthood and should certainly be involved in any pregnancy and/or abortion decisions. These are enormous decisions for a family, with long-term impacts and need to be evaluated that way. It's appalling that a child can't have a broken bone set or get stitches for a severe cut without parental consent, but they can undergo an abortion procedure without consent. In most States, children under eighteen can't even get a tattoo or piercing, without parental consent, but they are permitted to make life-changing decisions on having a child or an abortion.
Posted by: A TateParents have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion, because it is a decision that should not be made by a minor.
Parents have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion, because it is a decision that should not be made by a minor. In the case where a minor gets pregnant and is faced with the decision of having a pregnancy or abortion, the parents should know. The parents should know for a couple of reasons. They should know so that they can provide the emotional support. Another reason that parents should know is that minors, although they think that they can make the decision on their own, cannot. They are still children, and are not able to make a logical decision.
Posted by: PuzzlingDarrin48If the relationship between parent and child is healthy, it should not be an issue; but if it is not, the child may need protection from the parents.
Although it might seem to be a no-brainer that a parent should know if their teenage daughter is pregnant or had a termination, it does not always work that way. If the relationship between the girl and her parents is normal and healthy, then it is natural for her to tell them. If she does not want to, there is often a good reason; for example, the father of her child may be her father or stepfather, or her parents may be the type to disown her for 'sleeping around'. Or, parents may try to force a girl to have an abortion or force her to keep the child.
Posted by: C0urtIightParents have a right to know about anything affecting their child's health and well being, including pregnancy and abortion.
Parents are ultimately responsible for the health and well being of their children, even if their children are having children. It's hard enough for some parents to understand what they do know about their kids. A hidden pregnancy or abortion could add to the confusion many parents face when trying to prepare their children to face the world on their own as adults. Complications could arise from a pregnancy or abortion and could be life threatening. The signs that there is something seriously wrong could be missed by a parent who didn't know. A child who has something to hide may rush into something and end up visiting a clinic that is not credible or making a decision they will regret one way or the other. Parents need to know what is going on with their children's bodies and minds.
Posted by: FieEarDepends.
Because it says "child", yes I think so. If you're under your parent's jurisdiction, you have no right to keep anything secret from them.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouA child is the parent's responsibility whether things go well or not, and parents deserve the truth.
Parents deserve to know about their child's pregnancy or abortion and should have the right to make decisions in these matters. The parents are the responsible party and should have a say in what happens to the unborn child, after all this would be their grandchild. An unwanted pregnancy can be difficult to deal with for a child, but everyone should know the truth as this is an important matter.
Posted by: babydoll93Medical Decision
We don't let teens drive, drink, smoke, or vote due to their immaturity with making important decisions. Making decisions regarding life/death and medical procedures follow this. Why should parents be notified if their child takes an aspirin at school for a head ache, but not for an abortion ? Also, how many children might get abortions due to rape, feel ashamed, and try to hide it ? Also, teens are getting pregnant younger. The last thing we need is a 10 or 11-year-old making potentially devastating decisions about her body and her parents don't know.
Posted by: AnonymousI agree that parents have the right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion because as their caregiver and legal provider they need to know.
A parent is responsible for their child's actions until they are 18 years old, and I don't believe that pregnancy or abortions are exempt from this. Seeing as a parent would more than likely provide for the child to be, they have every right to know.
Posted by: ladisimoneIf their child is not an adult, the parent(s) are responsible for that child and, ultimately, that child's child.
I'm all for a parent knowing about a pregnancy, with an intent to abort, if the parent plans on stopping the abortion. Other than this, the parent should still know of their child's medical condition - even if it is a pregnancy. That parent is responsible for their child. So, ultimately they have a responsibility toward their child's child, since their child can only have limited responsibility. The parent's adult guidance is needed for the safety of both children. If there's a possibility that the child might meet violence or abuse from the parent, then there should be resources available to help this child.
Posted by: MohaI0v35I believe parents do have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion.
If a child is under age and under their parents' roof, then parents have every right to know if their child is pregnant or is having an abortion. Considering they are the legal guardian of that child, they need to know what is going on in that child's life. They need to know to be able to handle whatever difficulties and emotions this child is going through and to be able to be that support during a difficult time.
Clinics and companies who have a confidentiality agreement with minors are only making the situation worse and encouraging the child to keep secrets from their parents. Likewise, a child should never be afraid to tell their parents the situation they are in.Posted by: SheIdChunkyI agree that parents have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion, because the child is a minor and still the responsibility of the parents.
Parents are responsible for everything their children do. In some states, parents of juvenile delinquents can be charged with the same crime as their child, and must pay restitution for those crimes. It is, therefore, logical that a parent should have the right to know about a pregnancy or abortion, because the child's health and well-being are at stake. The parents will no doubt be financially responsible for whatever outcome prevails.
Posted by: N3vinFace
Do We Want More Minors Raising Children
Putting up more barriers to minors getting abortions is NOT a good idea. We don't want more minors becoming parents and not going to college. Of course adoption is also an option but many minors don't choose that. Society and the economy will benefit if it is easier for minors to have abortions.
Posted by: MasturDbtorNo, I am my own person. I have my own mind.
My parents' conservative beliefs are certainly not mine. I have the ability to adhere to any philosophy I choose, and my parents should have no say in what my decisions are. I should be free to follow my choices, regardless of my background. Should I not be able to get an abortion just because my mother thinks it's wrong?
Posted by: AnonymousNo, parents do not have a right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion, because it is her private body.
The child's body is her own, and not her parents, so she should be able to do whatever she wants to, to her own body. There is no reason to get her parents involved if she does not want them to be, because the child has a right to privacy too.
Posted by: labusyAbortion should be legal and available to a woman of any age and remain confidential, as well.
I don't think there is a need for the parents to know, as long as the child is educated about abortion, birth control, and given a method of birth control, such as an IUD, after an abortion. If the child can't relate to the parent enough to tell them, there is a viable reason, aside from fear of disapproval. As far as pregnancy goes, if the child wants to continue the pregnancy and is under the age of 16, yes, the parents should probably be informed, as it will probably be their health insurance that is affected.
Posted by: PointlessElbert47I don't think parents should have the right to know of a child's pregnancy or abortion because that is the child's business.
If the child is in need of telling the parents or their pregnancy or abortion, that should be to their own choosing. Doctor's and abortionists should keep these things confidential between them and their patients. It wouldn't feel right if I was pregnant and the doctor called home to mommy and daddy.
Posted by: AnnoyedDong77Children are human beings too.
To undergo an abortion is a categorically positive choice for an underage girl and her relationship with her parents could be strained by availing them of this information. Why should a bad situation be made worse by mandating that this information be made available to them? I say, abort it and be done with it. She has learned her lesson.
Posted by: FRI think that a child should tell a parent about pregnancy if they want to.
I know that parents feel like they should know all of this personal kind of stuff about their children. Truthfully though children should be in control of their own body and not have to tell their parents if for some reason they don't want to. It would be unfair to force a child to tell their parents.
Posted by: B3rkIffyA child is their own person, and I do not believe parents should have the right to their child's body.
Telling parents about their child's pregnancy or abortion can have very negative effects for the child; they may not act in the most sensible way to avoid this eventuality occurring. I believe that those who find out - teachers, or doctors - have a sacred trust with that child to help them do the best for themselves. Sometimes this does not involve the parents.
Parents shouldn't be allowed to decide how their daughter deals with a pregnancy or abortion. The child should be allowed to make those decisions, including whether they want parental advice. A parent may react very badly to what happened to their child and reject them. It should be the child's decision as to whether they think this will happen at such a critical time in their life.Posted by: DuaneAirIts not them.
Whether a teenager is pregnant and wants an abortion it is none of their parents business. Its not their body going through the ordeal, and whether or not you decide to keep the baby is not their decision to make. However, I'm not saying you should completely disregard your parents advice. They are your family and only want what is best for you-so listen and consider their opinion, just don't let them make the decision for you.
Posted by: AnonymousChildren deserve a right to privacy.
Especially when it comes to matters of their body. Would you like to be forced to tell your parents every time you go to the bathroom? Or have your period No? I didn't think so. What utter nonsense. A child, as a human being, deserves privacy in matters of their own biological function. It's not their parents business of they get pregnant or deserve to have an abortion. It is their's and theirs alone, along with anyone they choose to share that information with.
Posted by: The_Chaos_HeartFamilies with good relationships will usually communicate openly about pregnancy and abortion, and not because of "rights"; girls without parents they experience as supportive shouldn't be required to disclose these matters.
Parents who want to know about their daughters' (and sons') sexuality have the whole prior lives of their children to earn their kids' trust, and to set an example of openness and acceptance in communicating about feelings, sexuality, and relationships that can motivate a child to be open about her experience and decisions. Parents who demand to know about a daughter's pregnancy or abortion are getting the order of things backwards; whatever wisdom they hope to impart, they must earn their child's trust in order to get the chance. To speak of a parent's "right" to know of and presumably participate in decisions about whether to keep a child, give it up for adoption, or abort the pregnancy is unfair to the girl who believes her body, thoughts, and feelings would not be respected by a parent. She knows about her parents' attitudes better than the state possibly could.
Posted by: M4I4cFeIineI'm for planned parenthood.
If the child, however young and immature she may seem should not be forced to undergo an abortion (as result of parents' knowledge) or should not be forced not to have an abortion. It's her child in the end, the way she wants to for her child to be brought up is stronger than the parents' wants. Parents will almost always want to tell the child whether they can keep it or not, it might cause problems, or force certain people to live under circumstances which they do not want to endure.
Posted by: Azzooz