State blocks Abortion

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=519&e=28&u=/ap/20050428/ap_on_re_us/abortion_dispute



The state's social services agency was granted a court order to block an abortion for a pregnant 13-year-old girl living in a state shelter, prompting an emergency appeal Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union.
The ACLU in its appeal on the girl's behalf cited Florida statutes that protect a minor's decision to decide on an abortion.

"No (Department of Children & Families) regulation or state law can override a constitutional right as recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court," said Howard Simon, the organization's executive director for Florida.

"But putting aside the legalisms, forcing a 13-year-old to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term against her wishes not only is illegal and unconstitutional, it's cruel."

The girl learned she was pregnant two weeks ago and planned to have an abortion Tuesday. Her caseworker arranged for transportation and help. But the state Department of Children & Families asked a Palm Beach County juvenile judge Tuesday morning to block the procedure.

The state agency argued the 13 1/2-week pregnant girl — described as L.G. in court documents — is too young and immature to make an informed medical decision, according to the ACLU appeal.

A judge granted a temporary injunction and ordered a psychological evaluation.

There was no immediate indication when a decision on the appeal would be made.

In 2003, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a law requiring parents to be notified if their minor daughters seek an abortion. Florida's high court also cited privacy rights in 1989 when it tossed out a law that would have required parental consent for a minor's abortion.

Please see link for full story

Finally, the ACLU is doing something I agree with.

I also wanted to add:


"The state agency argued the 13 1/2-week pregnant girl — described as L.G. in court documents — is too young and immature to make an informed medical decision, according "

Ironic that if she has the baby and dumps it somewhere the state would feel she was old enough to try for murder. She would be considerd old enough and mature enough to be held accountable. Most likely she would be tried as an adult.

But now she isn't?

MaryKate said:

Ironic that if she has the baby and dumps it somewhere the state would feel she was old enough to try for murder.

Click to expand...

:clap:

I really hope the girl isn't pregnant because she was raped and/or from incest. Living in a state shelter, as the article reads, isn't exactly a safe environment for young kids.

Well anyone whose given birth can attest to the fact that its probably going to scare the chit out of a 13 year old. I don't know all the ins and outs of what she'd go through during an abortion, but its probably not anywhere what she'd go through carrying and then delivering a baby.