Minors should be required to get parental approval before getting an abortion.

Thank you for that round. My opponent claims "Parents CANNOT simply decide to refuse a medical treatment that is determined to be necessary and essential for their daughter by a physician (such as a medical abortion) (or in the case of this news article from this week, lymphoma) The judge will base this on the patient's wishes (decision) and the patient's best interest (health - regardless of parents choice)" My opponent would like you to believe that abortion is "essential" to the health of the patient. I do understand that children who are pregnant could face sever medical complications during their term, but abortion is just as dangerous. Abortions could leave to future ectopic pregnancies (a mother has a 12% chance of dieing in an ectopic pregnancy), women who abort are 50% more vulnerable to breast cancer, Abruptio Placenta which is when the sac holding the baby (the placenta) tears away from the uterine lining. This can result in extreme and severe life-threatening bleeding. Women who have experienced abortion have a 600% increase in their risk for Abruptio Placenta in future pregnancies, emotional distress including: * acute feeling of grief * depression * anger * fear of disclosure * preoccupation with babies or getting pregnant again * nightmares * sexual dysfunction * termination of relationships * emotional coldness * increased alcohol and drug abuse * eating disorders * anxiety * flashbacks of the abortion procedure * anniversary syndrome * repeat abortions * suicide Many of these women go on to report that they regret their choice and would do anything to go back and undo the decision that resulted in so much pain. ramahinternational.org/abortion_risks.htm So, a lot of harm is done by receiving an abortion. And judges (complete strangers) shouldn't be able to dictate to parents what is in the best interests of THEIR children. My opponent claims "you need to consider one thing, this is real-life, not a cliche made up world. you cannot say "parents know whats best" or "parents make decision for kids because kids cant make decisions" Well, I think that parents are certainly more educated in the field of abortion when compared to their teenage daughters. And even if that daughter consults with a doctor, that doctor cannot deny that teenage girl an abortion under law. If parents are permitted to, parents can. Opponent: "Physicians assess the capacity of their patients in every patient encounter" However, this is not mandated by any law. Which means their is no penalty for doctors who do not access the mental capability of their patients. And if it is not mandated by law, then doctors don't have to comply with that unwritten "moral code". Opponent: "as well, the following publication by the ACLU indicates that a minor patient can go against the wishes of the parents in regards to abortion" The ACLU? Please, you must be kidding me. The American Civil Liberties Union is of course going to favor the "Civil Liberties" of the mother. Opponent: "I will simply disagree with the PRO'S argument that parents can be better judges than physicians in regards to when a medical abortion is necessary to terminate an ill pregnancy that can physically harm the child. (physicians KNOW about the necessity of medical abortion more than parents)" The question of "necessity" is established above. However, parents know more about the morals and such they enforce in their home. And if they don't want their daughter to receive an abortion, she shouldn't.