Just because you have a hammer doesn't mean everything is a nail

Another initiative on California's ballot would require parental notification if an underage women wants to end her pregnancy with an abortion. A local rabbi opposes the measure but has suggested mandatory counseling in place of parental notification for underage women seeking an abortion.

I think the rabbi (who trained initially as a psychologist) is putting the therapist before the cart. He seems to think counseling a young woman after she is already pregnant is a meaningful intervention. But the reality of access to abortion for many women--even here in California where it is legal--can be difficult at best. In many parts of the state women already have to travel away from their home towns to acquire an abortion. They have the expense of travel, overnight accommodations, meals etc. in addition to the cost of the procedure. They have to take time away from work or school and make excuses in order to protect their privacy. Requiring another step, another appointment, another hurdle, could result in removing the option altogether.

I agree with the rabbi that young women may be more likely to keep their babies if we as a society can demonstrate our commitment to supporting their dreams for themselves and their offspring. But we won't have to counsel them against the fear of losing their jobs, ending their education, being in poverty, etc. if that is no longer the reality for many young mothers. Unfortunately, we are a very long way from being able to assure a young woman that she will not end up struggling for herself and her child given the lack of services and support available.

It is too bad some people don't make the same choices that Rabbi L. would make for them. But I am much too concerned about protecting the privacy and choices of all young women to risk placing another impediment in their path to belatedly correct the behavior of a minority.