by
Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 5, 2005
The bill, approved on a 32-27 vote, now heads to the state Senate, though it is not expected to be approved there because Democrats control the chamber.
Backers of the legislation say parents should be able to be informed about medical surgeries performed on their children and note that parental involvement is required on other medical issues.
They
also say that abortion has serious emotional and physical consequences
for teenagers, including increasing risk of depression or incidence
of contracting breast cancer.
"Whether or not a girl's going to have an abortion is not the
issue," said Rep. Dennis Richardson, a Republican who backs the
bill. "The issue is whether parents ... should have the right
to know."
Parents must be informed about the abortion 48 hours ahead of time
and exceptions would be made in life-threatening situations and cases
of child abuse.
Oregon Right to Life called the measure a "common sense"
bill, according to an Associated Press report and said it was modeled
after similar laws in 24 states. Such statutes have been credited
with significantly reducing the number of teen abortions.
Even if the bill makes it out of the Senate, pro-abortion Governor
Ted Kulongoski, a Demorat, would likely veto it.
Planned Parenthood and other abortion advocates told members of the
to oppose the bils because it would harm women.
But
pro-life lawmakers disagreed.
"Would you support a law allowing your teenaged daughters to
receive cosmetic surgery without your notification and consent?"
asked Rep. Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville). "Most parents would
never dream of allowing their minor children to undergo invasive and
possibly dangerous elective surgery without notification and consent."
Esther Ripplinger, who volunteers with a group of post-abortion women
who regret their abortions testified along with other post-abortive
women in favor of the bill, according to the AP story.
"I want all women to have the opportunity to have the facts about
abortion, and to be offered pregnancy resources prior to choosing
an abortion," Ripplinger said.
Gayle Atteberry, executive director of Oregon Right to Life says that
surveys taken of Oregonions on abortion show that there is support
for these kinds of proposals.
Still, she realizes the fight to pass the bills is more difficult
in the Democrat-controlled state Senate.
"I know the support is there, except among the Senate Democrats,"
Atteberry told AP.
Related web sites:
Oregon Right to Life - http://www.ortl.org
