Because mandatory parental consent laws are designed to appeal to all of us who value strong families, bills and ballot measures concerning parental consent laws appear benign. In reality, these laws actually can and do pose real threats to teens . The majority of minors seeking abortions voluntarily involve at least one parent in their decisions. Restricting minors access does not foster communication between minors and parents.
Most pregnant teens do turn to their parents when faced with an unwanted pregnancy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has shown that the percentages of minors who inform parents about their intent to have abortions are essentially the same in states with and without notification laws. Restricting minors access is dangerous. When anti-choice legislation creates obstacles to obtaining an abortion it tends to push the decision to have an abortion later and later into pregnancy. Second trimester abortions carry more medical risks and are more expensive. Restricting minors access is deadly.