August is typically the month in which school starts back up. I still remember the feeling of apprehension I felt every year as the first day of school grew nearer and summer vacation came to an end. I am out of school now, and view that time of my life more fondly, actually appreciating the change of pace that every new school year brought. Crazy how time changes perspective! But some ideals stand the test of time as they are rooted in truth.
It is vital that our youth are educated and protected, especially in the realm of prolife laws. In Michigan, we have a parental consent law that requires a minor seeking an abortion to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian, or obtain a judicial bypass from the court. This law is so important to protect minor girls and ensure that parents are involved in the conversation of this life-altering decision that would have an immediate and long-term impact on mental and physical health.
Parental consent has been in our state law since 1990. It was originally started by a citizen petition, as Michiganders came together in support of this important protection for their children. In April of 2024, a poll was conducted by Marketing Resource Group to ask Michiganders how they felt about several long-standing Michigan laws, including parental consent. The poll found that 68% of voters – two in every three! – continue to support this important protection.
Despite the fact that Michiganders support parental consent, Governor Whitmer has voiced her desire to remove the law. On March 26, 2024, Whitmer told Stateside on Michigan Public Radio that the removal of parental consent for a minor receiving an abortion was in the original Reproductive Health Act but was removed from the final package that passed. She quoted that it was “part of the original package, and I was advocating for the whole package to get to my desk…”
The idea that our governor and many abortion-obsessed legislators want to make abortion LESS safe for minor girls is a scary thought.
I am blessed to be getting married later this month and hope to start a family of my own soon. I cannot imagine the idea of having such an important legal protection removed that would impact the safety of my child. Parents and guardians need to be involved in such a situation to ensure their daughter is receiving proper support, not undergoing such a life-altering decision by herself.
We must remain vigilant to any legislation that could overturn or replace these important parental consent protections. Safeguarding parental rights and protecting our children is of vital importance – and something Right to Life of Michigan will always advocate for!
Email any questions to Danny Earl at [email protected].