Prop. 73 is not common sense

Dear editor, In response to the pro Prop. 73 argument, I would like to challenge the notion that it is common sense to require minors to seek parental guidance and consent for an abortion. As a licensed family psychotherapist who often networks with health professionals, it is not the simple "common sense" issue that many would like to think. The teens who are likely in the predicament of being pregnant and resistant to consulting their parents are also likely to be from abusive families, and many of them have become pregnant by their father or another family member! Hence, it does not make common sense for them to seek guidance or consultation from their families. We must be careful not to project our own desires and ideals as parents of healthy kids onto the teens that might be most affected by this law. It also jeopardizes the licenses and standing of health professionals who assist these teens without the required informing (not consent) of their parents.