by Rivs Aikman

Created on: June 06, 2007

In a perfect world, there would be no unwanted pregnancies, and parents and children would be able to talk to each other about anything without fear.

Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world. Teenagers experiment. If they do not communicate with their parents or their parents are ignorant about the facts of life, that experimentation will probably lead to pregnancy.

Requiring parental consent for abortion forces children to communicate with their parents. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, since the lines of communication should always be open between parents and children. Odds are good that pregnancies could be avoided if parents listened and advised their children with open minds, and if children would be honest with their parents about what they are doing.

Making a decision to have an abortion is not something that should be done on impulse. One must weigh the pros and cons before choosing one action or another, and it helps to have a seasoned adult listening and offering input. One needs the love, support, and ear of a parent who cares for the child and will be there for her no matter what she chooses.

More than anything, though, we need parents to communicate with their children and be open to discussing birth control. When the "need" for abortion is eliminated through education, support, and personal responsibility, we will all have reasons to be happy.

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