The subject came up on Question Time last week. Should parents be told before a minor asks for an abortion?
What I find infuriating is that on sensitive cases such as this one many people seem to believe that one can give a simple 'for' or 'against' answer. There are many things to be taken into account. Parents obviously have a right to know when something like this happens. On the other hand a child has a right to confedentiality, and most importantly a child needs to be protected particularly in cases when it might be dangerous for them to let their parents know. It's just not the case, that parents are always fit to decide for their children. An 'outside' protection is necessary.
So, as with other issues concerning children, it is necessary to have flexibility with regards to laws.
A difficult issue. Each case on it's merits, surely, with the final say down to the child.
RépondreSupprimerSome kids, needlessly scared to do so themselves, would easily agree to telling parents after gentle persuasion to do so - generally those with loving families who would support them.
Others would not be persuaded, and really should be given the benefit of the doubt, even if they refuse to give a good reason why parents should not know.
Complicated stuff, families and relationships, and seldom a 'one fits all' situation.
The child knows better than the pundit and the politician in most cases, I'm sure.