Reply #56: Why a 'fundamental huuman right'? [View All]

Do you think any kid is better off having a secret abortion, dealing with none of the factors that lead to the pregnancy in the first place, and going back home with a really, really, really big burden for a kid that age and no one to talk to? Let's say the girl wound up pregnant because of incest? Sure, she gets the abortion, but does anything happen to her abuser? He's free to act again and she'll be back for another abortion sooner or later.

Yes, I think they will be better off with the abortion, if that's their choice. If it's incest, getting the abortion wouldn't prevent prosecuting the abuser, if it was the father or stepfather - who would already know the girl could potentially be pregnant in that case. If it were another family member, then the consideration is the same for any rape victim - you shouldn't force the victim to go through a court case if they think it will be too traumatic for them. By forcing them to go to their parents before an abortion is possible, you would put a few at physical risk - there are some parents would would get physical as soon as they knew of the pregnancy.

You really think it's better to ignore the judgement of the girl? If they can decide on an abortion for themselves, they have the chance of getting the relationship back on track, or at least keeping it in its current dubious, but non-violent (and providing a home) state. There may be a few cases where the judgement of the girl, even after advice from school and medical professionals, plus anyone else they feel they can trust, is worse than that of the non-trusted parent - but I think those will be far outwieghed by the numbers of girls who correctly think their parents won't do the right thing for them, but instead have their own idea of 'decency' screw things up. Why do you think the emotional problems of leaving home will always be better than ending the pregnancy without the parents knowing?

I still can't see why you think it's a 'fundamental human right', and you don't seem to have argued anything about that - just that you see some situations where it's better for the child if the parents know. The parent has a responsibility to care for their children. That doesn't mean the same as a right to know everything about the child.