PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW

 

KNXT TV Pastoral Message

Bishop John T. Steinbock

October 2005

 

My Dear People of God,

 

Did you know that in California a girl as young as 12 years of age can obtain an abortion without her parents’ knowledge?  Did you know that if your daughter attends public school, if she should become pregnant without your knowledge, a school counselor may arrange for an abortion if she is in the 7^th to 12^th grade and transport her off-campus for the surgery, without your knowledge or consent?  You may only come to know of the abortion if serious medical complications arise, or if your child begins to manifest extreme emotional trauma.  She might even have repeated abortions without your knowledge.

 

Did you know that although a surgical abortion must be performed by a licensed physician, the venue may be a freestanding abortion clinic that is not inspected by the State Department of Health nor held to the standards of all other medical clinics?  Did you know that there is no requirement to keep statistics on the numbers of abortions performed, the number of repeat clients, and the number and types of complications that come after an abortion?  With this lack of reporting there is also the danger that a minor may remain in an abusive relationship without the knowledge of the parents.

 

On November 8, vote “yes” on Proposition 73.  This proposition, which is popularly known as the “Parents’ Right to Know,” will enact three major laws:

 

• Mandating that, except for a medical emergency, no abortion could be performed on a minor unless the physician notifies the minor’s parent or legal guardian at least 48 hours before the procedure.

 

• Allowing a minor access to juvenile court, if she is being coerced to have an abortion.

 

• And, requiring the filing of reports with the Department of Health Services by the physicians, who perform abortions for minors.

 

A minor faced with a serious emotional, psychological and medical decision needs her parents—their love, their wisdom, their counsel and their support.  If you believe that parents are the first educators and the primary caregivers of their children, not the State, not the school, and certainly not those in the abortion industry, vote yes on Proposition 73 and encourage your friends to vote yes.

 

God bless you all.