Parental Involvement

in Abortion
By: Brittany Jamison

Topic Conclusion

Parental Involvement should

be required in a minors
decision to undergo the
abortion procedure.

Parental Involvement

Opponents

Involving parents takes

away from the teens
independence
Infringes upon their
rights

Supporters

Involving parents
ensures the safety of
the teens life in
general

Thesis

Minors seeking abortions should be required

to have parental involvement because the
procedure has significant health risks, teens
are too young to make important decisions
on their own, and involving parents can
reduce pressure from partners and peers.

Heath Risk
Opponents
If the teen has an emergency medical
situation, for example, if carrying the
child is damaging the teens health, than
the teen deserves exception to abortion
without parental involvement.

Health Risks
Supporters
Independent of the fact that such emergencies are so
rare, it is precisely in these circumstances when a teens
life or health is threatened by a pregnancy, that parental
involvement is most needed and most helpful.
If proceeding with the pregnancy or undergoing the
procedure risks the teens life, parents can help their
underage daughters through this time.

Health Risks

Possible health risks vary from pain,

cramping, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness,
to abnormal heavy bleeding and or
damage to the uterus which can be
extremely life threatening as well.

Minors are too young

Opponents
Since underage girls can privately seek
other services such as treatment for STD,
addiction to drugs or alcohol, mental
health issues, and often times even
prenatal care, it should be no different for
girls seeking abortion.

Minors are too young

Supporters
There are no other planned surgeries minors can receive without
parental involvement, making abortion rights extremely
unlawful.
As abortion does fall under the category of a planned surgery,
critics are wrong to think that treatment for STD, addiction to
drugs or alcohol, mental health issues, and prenatal care should
be grouped the same with abortion.
When dealing with such a complex decision minors do not have
enough emotional development to make proper choices without
parental advice.

Pressure from partners and peers

Opponents
Parental notification and consent laws can be
problematic in households where parents are
abusive, arguing that some girls can face violent
consequences if their parents know that they are
pregnant.
Partners and peers cannot present as much harm
to teenagers as parents of these teenagers if they
do not favor the pregnancy.

Pressure from partners and peers

Supporters
Parents can be a major system of support to
teens seeking abortion, which can lead to
helping them make the best choice and one they
will not regret long term.
The real harm comes when underage girls are
coerced by partners or peers into receiving an
abortion.

References
Abortion. (2010). Opposing Viewpoints in Context, & Current Issues: Macmillian
Social Science Library. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com
Abortion Health Risks and Side-Effects. (2013, February 12). Contraception
Resource Info - Birth Control Guide. Retrieved from
http://www.contracept.org/abortion-health-risks.php
Abortion: Parental Involvement Laws. (2013, November 15). Issues & Controversies
on File. Retrieved from http://2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1000330
Collett, T. (2013, April 18). Parental Consent on Abortion Protects Young Women's
Health. Life News. Retrieved from http://www.lifenews.com/
Gordon, C. E. (2010, July 15). Parental Involvement Laws in Minor Abortions.
Citizen Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.citizenslink.com/
McBride, D. E. (2008). Abortion in the United States: A reference handbook. Santa
Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
Parental Involvement in Minors' Abortions. (2013, February 1). State Policies in
Brief. Retrieved from http:/www.guttmacher.org