What a Parent Should Be Required to Be Informed About When It Concerns Their Child

Over time there has been a big debate on what a parent should be required to be informed about when it concerns their child. To get a piercing or tattoo you are required in the state of California to get a parent or guardian’s consent. Abortion has become a big debate throughout the United States. Should a minor be able to have an abortion procedure done without the parent/parents being notified? Are girls under the age of eighteen mature enough to make the decision of keeping a baby or not? Three reasons a parent should be involved in the decision of a minor having an abortion is the effects the procedure can have. There are psychological effects, social effects, and medical side effects that need to be taken into consideration.

Being a minor going through an abortion can cause psychological effects. Researchers investigating post-abortion report only one positive emotion: relief. Being that the majority of women who choose abortion report that they felt under intense pressure to "get it over with." Studies within 8 weeks after their abortions found that, 55% expressed guilt, 44% complained of nervous disorders, 36% had experienced sleep disturbances, 31% had regrets about their decision, and 11% had been prescribed psychotropic medicine by their family doctor.

Teenagers rational part of the brain is not fully developed until they are at least twenty-five. That being said minor is more likely to act on impulse rather than think about what will happen if they make that decision or even consider other options. Parents can help their child get through the tough challenges that may come along with an abortion procedure. Minor’s might seek or need an opinion from their loved ones on what they should do. Is it healthier for them to keep the child, or is it best for them to get an abortion? These are questions that teens can look to their parents to help them answer.

Not only will the minor face psychological issues but the minor