Fla. agency gets teen's abortion blocked

[gldstwmn]

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/ar...rtion_blocked/

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- 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.

But DCF spokeswoman Marilyn Munoz said state law prohibits the department from consenting to an abortion for a minor in any instance. "It's not our decision. We stand in different shoes. We're held to a higher accountability," Munoz said.

She declined to comment specifically on L.G.'s case; no details on the girl's parents or family history were available.

Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida lawmakers have tried for years to tighten state laws on abortion.

After the Florida Supreme Court struck down the 1999 parental notice law, lawmakers voted last year to change the constitution to make such a law possible.

Voters approved the constitutional amendment in November and lawmakers currently are pushing legislation to require physicians to notify at least one parent before performing an abortion on a girl under age 18. Another bill would tighten regulation of clinics that perform second-trimester abortions.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/ar...rtion_blocked/

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- 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.

But DCF spokeswoman Marilyn Munoz said state law prohibits the department from consenting to an abortion for a minor in any instance. "It's not our decision. We stand in different shoes. We're held to a higher accountability," Munoz said.

She declined to comment specifically on L.G.'s case; no details on the girl's parents or family history were available.

Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida lawmakers have tried for years to tighten state laws on abortion.

After the Florida Supreme Court struck down the 1999 parental notice law, lawmakers voted last year to change the constitution to make such a law possible.

Voters approved the constitutional amendment in November and lawmakers currently are pushing legislation to require physicians to notify at least one parent before performing an abortion on a girl under age 18. Another bill would tighten regulation of clinics that perform second-trimester abortions.

the gauntlet has been thrown down.

[Mari]

too young to have an abortion, but old enough to have a child? Sick.

[xxxmx]

from what i have seen, this is typical of floridian politics. this state is truly the drain of the nation. it's where all of the ****ty and hairball issues end up, in the drain. as mari said, they think it is so tragic that a 13YO has an abortion, but condemning that child to a life with that 13YO is clearly tragic as well.

[strandinthewind]

If they had educated her about sex, including abstience, and given her access to BC instead of leaving it essentially to the wealthy and/or lucky at that age - she/they would not be in the mess. But, we just CAN'T have that

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by Mari

too young to have an abortion, but old enough to have a child? Sick.

My thoughts exactly.

[tynan88]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

If they had educated her about sex, including abstience, and given her access to BC instead of leaving it essentially to the wealthy and/or lucky at that age - she/they would not be in the mess. But, we just CAN'T have that

I find it most shocking that a 13 year old girl is getting pregnant, or maybe I am a tad sheltered

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by tynan88

I find it most shocking that a 13 year old girl is getting pregnant, or maybe I am a tad sheltered

I agree. But, it happens and kids, thanks to IMO tv and a lack of education, are FAR more experimental on average at a younger age than when I was a kid.

[tynan88]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I agree. But, it happens and kids, thanks to IMO tv and a lack of education, are FAR more experimental on average at a younger age than when I was a kid.

Oh I agree with that but I am actually talking the psychical side...no wonder I don't still do science but wouldn't that be extremely dangerous to the mother, I just find it hard to believe a girl being developed enough to give birth at 13.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by tynan88

Oh I agree with that but I am actually talking the psychical side...no wonder I don't still do science but wouldn't that be extremely dangerous to the mother, I just find it hard to believe a girl being developed enough to give birth at 13.

According to this source http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pdfs/menstrual.pdf

Menstruation. You will also start getting your monthly menstrual period. Most girls start getting their menstrual
periods about 2 and a half years after they first start developing breasts. Most girls have their first menstrual period
between the ages of 12 and 13, but some girls start as early as age 9 and others as late as 15 or 16.

So, she was within the norm for that.

[GypsySorcerer]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

According to this source http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pdfs/menstrual.pdf



So, she was within the norm for that.

Jason, you will even google menstruation for us.


Seriously, though, girls are reaching puberty at very young ages. Throw in the media's influence, and we have girls as sex objects at 10. It's sick.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by GypsySorcerer

Jason, you will even google menstruation for us. . . . .

AND - I said fellatio and cunniligus in the foster care thread

[GypsySorcerer]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

AND - I said fellatio and cunniligus in the foster care thread

You've done your good deeds for the day.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by GypsySorcerer

You've done your good deeds for the day.

Well, you know me - always off on my cockleshell spreading the joy of an optimist while blurting fellatio and cunnilingus to the masses - perhaps I am advertising and should be in a beaded halter while doing so

Can ya tell it is one of those days - I am craving a margarita sooooooo bad right now to grease the time

[tynan88]

But I couldn't imagine a 13 year old having developed the right hips for birth yet would they?