For mom4 - Fla. Judge OKs Abortion for 13-Year-Old

[GotZoom]

Fla. Judge OKs Abortion for 13-Year-Old

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A judge has ruled that a 13-year-old girl at the center of an abortion fight with the state may terminate her pregnancy.

Juvenile Judge Ronald Alvarez on Monday ruled that the teen, who has been in state custody for four years, would not be physically or emotionally harmed by the procedure. Last week, Alvarez blocked the girl's abortion until a psychological evaluation was completed.

``He ruled that she is competent, that she has made a decision and that she has a right to act on that decision,'' said Howard Simon, executive director of the Florida American Civil Liberties Union, which represented the girl.

The state Department of Children & Families had argued that the girl, known only in court papers as L.G., was too young and immature to decide for herself to have an abortion. The agency said state law prohibited the agency from consenting to the procedure.

Children and families officials declined to comment Monday on whether they planned to appeal Alvarez's decision. ``Since this is still in litigation, I can't speak to what's going on in court,'' agency spokeswoman Marilyn Munoz told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Attorneys for the girl said the abortion was scheduled for Monday, but it was unclear whether the girl underwent the procedure.

The girl told the judge last week as part of the psychological evaluation process that she wanted an abortion, citing her age and no way to support a baby. The girl's attorneys argue that Florida law protects a minor's right to choose an abortion.

A measure is moving through the state Legislature to require notification of parents or guardians when girls seek abortion. In 2003, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a 1999 law requiring parents to be notified if their minor daughters seek an abortion.

 

[5stringJeff]

What the hell is a 13 year old doing having sex?!?!?

 

[dmp]

I have no way to support a speeding ticket, therefore I shouldn't be required to pay.

 

[Nienna]

US Government.... Removing Parental Rights One At a Time!

Statistically, this little girl will go on to have at least one other abortion.

How rational are pubescent girls? My father could deliver a litany on this, having survived being the only man in a house with 5 women. I was probably the least drama-prone of my sisters, but I certainly had my moments. A thirteen year old is a child! The fact that she was even assigned a guardian should show that she was not capable of being fully responsible for herself. Why assign a guardian if that guardian has no authority over her? I guess it's the liberal idea of parenting... all the guilt and financial responsibility, none of the authority to teach or discipline. And especially don't stand in the way of a young girl's decision to undergo a major surgery with profound physical and emotional repercussions.

Sorry, that was pretty sarcastic. But really! Sheesh.

 

[GotZoom]

I have always said that if it wasn't for the hurricanes, my practice (ex) wife, and some of the stupid judicial decisions, I'd move back to Florida in a minute.

There was a case back in the early 90's where a husband stabbed his 8 month pregnant wife something like 30 times in the stomach - screaming about wanting to kill the baby. She and the baby (boy) survived - miraculously. He went to prison for life - no parole.

She received a divorce and 2 years later remarried. Approximately 4 or 5 years later, the new husband wanted to adopt the boy, now 6 or 7. Unfortunately, Florida law stated that the "birth-dad", if alive, had to OK the adoption.

Remember, the "birth-dad" is in prison for life - because he tried to kill her and the baby. He would NOT give permission. In fact, he petitioned for visitation and WON. A judge actually ordered that the boy go to prison 2 times month to visit with his "Dad."

The new husband was the only dad he knew - he had no clue of what happened before he was born, etc.

Judge said it didn't matter. The man was his father - he had parental rights.

Case closed - visitation ordered.

 

[Nienna]

Judge said it didn't matter. The man was his father - he had parental rights.

Case closed - visitation ordered.

Pure insanity. So if it's destructive behavior like abortion, the parent/guardian can't stop the kid, or if it is a potentially emotionally damaging situation to see the child, the parents DO have authority? Is that the new rule? Whatever is most traumatic for the child gets the green light? I feel like I'm being hyperbolic, but doesn't it seem that way?

 

[GotZoom]

Pure insanity. So if it's destructive behavior like abortion, the parent/guardian can't stop the kid, or if it is a potentially emotionally damaging situation to see the child, the parents DO have authority? Is that the new rule? Whatever is most traumatic for the child gets the green light? I feel like I'm being hyperbolic, but doesn't it seem that way?

With the 13 year old, she wants an abortion, she gets it. I find it interesting that she has been under state care for 4 years, gets pregnant under their care, which means the state now has to "raise" and "pay for" another child.

With the dad in prison, no one wanted him to have visitation but him, so he gets it.

In one case, what is best (in the judge's mind) for the kid, happens. In the other, what is worse for the kid (in everybody's mind), happens.

I find it interesting that there is no mention of the 13 year old's sexual partner (in some eyes - sexual abuser). I don't know off the top of my head the "age of consent" in Florida, but surely it isn't 13. I'm thinking the impregnation happened on the state's watch - and with Florida's reputation of "losing" children in the system, only for them to turn up dead several years later, I think they are trying to avoid another black mark on their system.

There is no rhyme or reason.