Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and Rep. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) have filed bills that would require a teen’s parent to consent before she could get an abortion. Everyone hopes that teens can turn to their parents when faced with an unintended pregnancy, and in fact most teens do. But laws requiring a young woman to further involve parents puts her health and safety at risk and does not increase family communication.

The minority of teens who do not voluntarily consult a parent often have good reason not to. Many come from families where such an announcement would only exacerbate an already volatile or dysfunctional family situation. Teens who don’t want to tell a parent about their abortion decision fear, if they told their parents, they would be kicked out of the house. Others fear they would be physically abused because their parents had beaten them before. Some don’t live with either parent.

Urge your state legislators to reject Senator Stargel’s and Rep. Grall’s attempt to push more restrictions on young women, jeopardizing their health. You can edit and personalize your letter below.