Should minors under 18 years old be allowed to get an Abortion without parental consent - Essay Example

The fast transforming value system and changing socio-cultural dynamics of society has significantly influenced all strata of society. As a result,emerging new social problems like rising cases of teenaged pregnancies, unemployment, increasing cases of dropouts and drug addiction amongst the teenagers have become serious issues within the society. The need to address the issues within the evolving pattern of diverse society has become highly critical paradigm. Indeed, the problems of teenagers, especially teenaged pregnancies and abortion must be tackled with innate sensitivity that would help inculcate confidence amongst the pregnant teenager.

The issue of abortion is extremely important not only for health and well being of the teenager but also for the family (Santelli et al., 2009). Hence, minors, under 18 years of age should not be allowed to get an abortion without parental consent. The teen age is that phase of adolescence where growing teenagers want to act like adults without being aware of the wider ramifications of those acts. Increasing involvement of teenagers in sexual activities without proper safeguard not only jeopardizes their life but acts like abortion may have long term hazardous consequences.

The unwanted pregnancies amongst the minor become a major issue of shame and public outcast. The covert bid to abort the unwanted child therefore becomes key element which the minor tries to attempt without the consent of parents. Parental consent in abortion amongst the teenagers would provide the emotional support as well as ensure that child overcomes the traumatic experience with more understanding of serious repercussions of unsafe sex. It is also important to note that abortion is a legal medical procedure which is used to terminate unwanted pregnancies under safe environment (Lee & Cheryl, 2009).

But abortion by minor, when not accompanied by adult, may reduce accountability on the part of agency conducting the abortion and thereby may also endanger the life of the minor. Abortion entails surgical risks which must be accounted and without the consent of parents or guardian, the life of minor may be at risk. The minor may have physically matured but mental maturity and emotional balance may require experience and advice from peers like parents and guardian who are better equip to guide the minors.

One of the most significant arguments against the consent is the case where the minors are victims of parental abuse (ibid) and fear factor may prevent teenagers to ask for their permission. Indeed, in such cases, the social security agencies must ensure safe abortion practice under skilled medical professional and facilitate appropriate counseling so that minor is better able to cope with the stress and aftermath of traumatic experience of abortion. The 3% rise of teenaged pregnancies from 2005 to 2006 over a period of decade has become a concern, especially when 7% of pregnancy had occurred amongst 15-19 yrs of girls.

The teenage abortion was 19.3% (Hamilton et al., 2007). The growing trend in the abortion amongst the minors therefore calls for more concerted efforts by government and social workers. Governmental initiatives must promote awareness programs for pregnant teenagers and necessity of safe medical conditions for abortion. Parental consent or adult intervention would help reduce the risks for abortion by minor. Hence, parental consent or notification must become necessary for abortion by minor. (words: 542) Reference Hamilton BE et al.

‘Births: preliminary data for 2007’. National Vital Statistics Reports, 2009, Vol. 57 (12). Lee, Deborah, and Cheryl Bourassa. ‘Counterpoint: Mandatory Notification of Parents in Advance of an Abortion for Girls Under 18 is Wrong and Dangerous’. Points of View: Abortion & Minors (2009): 3. Points of View, Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 18 June 2011. Santelli JS et al. ‘Changing behavioral risk for pregnancy among high school students in the United States, 1991–2007’. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45(1):25–32. 2009.