Great Dear Abby about why Parental Notification isn't the solution

[LynneSin]

http://www.newsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/LIFE01/610270305/1088

Advice to teen daughter's friend had tragic results

I am extremely shaken by a recent experience, and I want to share this with other parents who may one day find themselves in a similar situation. My daughter, "Mary," is almost 18 and in the 12th grade. We have always had a close relationship. She has always come to me to talk about what's going on in her life -- friends, crushes, school, just about everything.

A few months ago, Mary told me about a terrible situation concerning one of her classmates. "Jill" had just learned that she was pregnant and was frantic. She told Mary that she couldn't tell her parents because she was afraid of a violent reaction.

Mary was so worried about Jill that she came to me for help. After hearing the story, I encouraged my daughter to tell Jill to talk to her parents. I never imagined what would happen next.

I knew from things Mary had said that Jill's parents were hard on her, but I didn't know the extent of her problems at home. When Jill took my advice and told her parents she was pregnant, her father beat her so badly she ended up in the hospital and lost the baby.

Abby, you can't imagine how terrible I feel about this. Jill will never be the same, and I feel I am to blame. I wish I had known how to protect her from a dangerous and violent situation at home.

I hope you will share this letter with other concerned parents and give your thoughts on this heart-wrenching problem.

Shocked and Saddened in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

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[PVnRT]

1. I've been barking up this tree for years

That some parents will have exactly this kind of reaction when it comes to parental notification, but it holds no weight with the anti-choice crowd.

[Jokerman]

2. So what's the problem?

The pregnancy was terminated and I'll bet she thinks twice before getting pregnant again.

Please, please KNOW that this is sarcasm. The sad reality is that people who favor notification laws WANT these kind of results.

It's not about protecting life, it's about CONTROL.


(damn, this was supposed be a reply to the OP)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. "...people who favor notification laws WANT these kind of results." You, sir...

...nailed it. With extreme prejudice. :thumbsup:

[Phillycat]

3. Another scenario...

Is when he girl is pregnant by her father or stepfather or brother. Happens more than you think.