As we discussed in class, many people are involved in a teen mother’s decisions on parenting and even on whether or not to even have the child. In many states the parents of the teen has just as much say if not the final word on whether their teen can start the adoption process or have an abortion. The age at which teens are getting pregnant puts a financial strain on the entire family especially if the teen is still allowed to stay with his/her parents. In this case the financial strain is put directly on the parents of the teen if not all the responsibility. Therefore should parents have a determining vote on their child’s decision?
On the other hand, when there is a pregnant teenager who has not been relying on his/her parents for a while. Or who has grown up in the orphanage system with an assigned guardian that they maybe see three times a year. In that case who has the right to have a determining vote on what she/he should do with their child? Should they have to go to a court to plead for their independence when they maybe financially independent?
In Markai’s case (as far as we know) she didn’t have to have permission from anyone but she voluntarily asked her friends and family for advice. I believe taking multiple opinions from family and friends is a great way to explore your options. Although when everyone is against the decision you think is best for you and your child, shouldn’t you have the final say?
At what point does a guardians influence or permission cross the line? Are teens totally incapable of making their own decisions?
Brief outline of abortion laws:
Teens are not incapable of making their own decisions but they are not considered independent adults for a reason. Some teens are responsible and financially independent enough to be able to raise a child but some completely rely on their parents for direction and financial assistance. There is no right answer to this question because there is no mold labeled "Teen". I think Markai was smart to ask those around her for their opinions but if those are hindering her decision and creating more confusion rather than clarification and support then I don't think it is a good idea to solicit advice. Many teens are too naive about abortion and adoption and the effects it will have on them later in life which is why it must be exponentially more difficult for them to make this type of decision.
ReplyDeleteMegan Z
I feel that teens should have full power and control over what happens to her body. To claim that a teenager is incapable of making the decision for herself is just continuing the trend of oppression among women. Yes, teens should ask for advise from their family, friends, and doctors, however, the decision should be completely left up to them. What would happen in the cases where the teenagers and parents/guardians disagreed on the decision? Would the teen be forced to give her child up for adoption or even have an abortion only because the parents would rather not deal with the responsibility? To force the teenager to settle and live with a decision that she had no word or say so in is just wrong.
ReplyDeletePortia K.