Reply #53: Sorry, but... [View All]

[Mithras61]

I have a fundamental problem with the definition of a foetus as "an unborn child" since they are quite different things. By the time the foetus is "an unborn child" very few medical professionals would be willing to perform an abortion, and then most would restrict it to the health of the mother as the only legitimate reason. That's usually after the second trimester, though. Before that, it isn't an unborn child, it's a foetus.

As to whether a child (as in under the age of consent) should be allowed to have an invasive medical procedure without her parents consent, I would WISH that there was never a need, but I live in the real world, and all too often, the father of the baby is the father of the girl as well. Aside from that, though, unless the girl feels comfortable discussing the issue with her parents, I can't imagine why they should be involved in the decision. Every woman I've talked to about the issue that has actually had to make that decision has not made the decision lightly, and that includes women that are younger than 18 years...