Abortion Notification

Recently my stepdaughter, a freshman at a local high school, went to the school nurse with severe congestion from a cold. She asked for a Sudafed tablet, a non-prescription medication that she is accustomed to taking for this condition.

The nurse explained that she needed parental consent and attempted to contact her mother, father and myself, none of whom were available at the moment. My stepdaughter had to miss her next class while she waited 1 1/2 hours until a parent could be reached and permission obtained.

This was an unfortunate inconvenience, but we all agree that parents have a right to be consulted before their children take medication, right?

But wait. Let’s imagine that my stepdaughter had gone to the nurse with a different problem. What if she were pregnant and had requested help in obtaining an abortion? No such cumbersome regulations apply here. She could be quickly taken to a clinic for an invasive surgical procedure and no parent need be notified.

If she lacks the maturity to assess the need for a Sudafed tablet, why then is she presumed capable of making a decision regarding her emotional physical health and the life of her unborn baby without the guidance of her parents?

LINDA SNIDER

Seal Beach