March 28, 2011 - 1:59pm
"These laws would punish children who have parents unable or unwilling to do their jobs."
Today, the Press Herald wrote an editorial in support of protecting kids in need, or, as some might say, arguing against the parental consent bills currently in our state legislature.
Read the editorial here.
I'm sure most parents want their kids to talk to them about their medical needs. Let's be honest, though. My parents and I have a great relationship, and they have always demonstrated a tremendous amount of support in my life, but I never would have talked to my dad about visits to an ob-gyn and I'm not alone.
I'm lucky. I have great parents and grew up in a wonderful home where I felt loved, trusted and safe. Not all children have the same living situation.
Sadly, many children don't have homes. Some children don't have contact with biological parents. Some children live in abusive homes. Does it make sense to force a child to go to an abusive parent for permission to get prescriptions for injuries inflicted by the abuser? For many young people, making that trip to the doctor would be intimidating enough. Putting another barrier in place like parental consent will only further deter the child from getting help.
Let's make sure all kids are safe.
