Have you ever been pressured to make a decision that doesn’t coincide with your values and morals? It’s not a good feeling. And when a young girl is coerced by parents, a boyfriend, or others, into making a decision to have an abortion, she may feel she has to go through with it. Their support is vital. But according to the lawyers at The Justice Foundation, those who coerce could be in legal hot water.
The following statement comes from the Justice Foundation’s, “Letter to Client,” which can be used by Pregnancy Resource Centers to hand out to their pregnant minor clients.
“It is unlawful for your parents, relatives, or boyfriend to unduly pressure, force, or coerce you into having an abortion. In fact, to do so could subject them to potential criminal charges of child abuse or fetal homicide (killing a baby while still in the womb). The United States Supreme Court makes it clear that an abortion decision by a minor must be her decision; that it must be free, independent, voluntary, and non-coerced. No one can legally force you to have an abortion.”
Many young women have been coerced, cajoled, and threatened into aborting a baby who is too inconvenient for someone else. This threat doesn’t have to come in the form of physical harm. The Justice Foundation gives the following as examples coercion or force:
“If you have this baby, I am kicking you out of my house”,
or
“You are my child and you will do what I say.”
(“Your parents do not have to support your child financially; however, they are legally obligated to continue to support you, a minor.”)
It may not feel like it right now, but your future well-being could depend on your decision regarding an unplanned pregnancy. If you are being pushed into a decision to abort against your will, seek help. Go to a person who wants what’s best for you, and your baby. Visit a pregnancy care center, or support group that is familiar with abortion issues. Also, feel free to contact us at: rvehon@gmail.com. or contact the Justice Foundation at: http://thejusticefoundation.org/cafa/.
Shining The Light 