PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW

 

Pastoral Message aired on KNXT-TV during November 2006

Bishop John T. Steinbock

 

My dear people of God,

 

Many people are unaware that here in California a girl as young as 12 years of age can obtain an abortion without her parents’ knowledge.  Did you know that if a girl attends public school, and she should become pregnant without her parents’ knowledge, a school counselor may arrange for an abortion if she is in the 7th to 12th grade and transport her off-campus for the surgery, without the parent’s knowledge or consent?   A parent may only come to know of the abortion if serious medical complications arise, or if the child begins to manifest extreme emotional trauma.

 

On November 7th, proposition 85, if passed, would require notification of the parents or guardians of a minor, 48 hours before she obtains an abortion, unless a judge determines that such notification places her in danger.  The initiative is entitled “Waiting Period and Parental Notification before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy.”  It is popularly called The Parents Right to Know and Child Protection Act by its sponsors.

 

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 care givers of their children, not the State, not the school, and certainly not those in the abortion industry, vote yes on Proposition 85 and encourage your friends to vote yes also.

 

I encourage everyone to become aware of the issues on the coming ballot and to vote on Election Day.  We have a responsibility and a duty, as good citizens, to participate in the election process and to bring our values to bear on our choices.   May each of our choices in the voting process help to build a more just society that respects the human dignity of every man and woman, and the God given rights of all.  Vote yes on Proposition 85 if your want to protect the rights of parents in caring for and educating their children.