Effectiveness of Parental Notification

Monday, March 06, 2006

The NY Times published a study today on the effectiveness of parental notification requirements for minors seeking abortions:

Since the United States Supreme Court recognized states' rights to restrict abortion in 1992, parental involvement legislation has been a cornerstone in the effort to reduce abortions. Such laws have been a focus of divisive election campaigns, long court battles and grass-roots activism, and are now in place in 34 states. Most Americans say they favor them.

According to this article the results have been mixed. Some states actually saw an increase in abortions after parental notification laws went into affect, and some saw the rate decrease but only ever so slightly. It is true the majority of Americans understand the rationale behind making abortions hard to obtain, and that's a good thing.

But for me this debate isn't even about abortion. It goes without saying the main goal of restrictive legislation is to decrease the number of abortions performed, but I believe the most important reason for having such laws is to benefit the parents. Never should a child be alone in making the decision to undergo evasive surgery.