Weekly Star Editorial for March 5, 1998

Parental Consent and Other Old-Fashioned Ideas

By Representative Fred Dyson

In 1975, the Alaska legislature amended existing state law to make it permissible for medical personnel to supply prescription birth control medicines and devices without parental consent or notification. Some of our public policy makers, in their ìwisdomî, decided that because a young girl might not be able to do the ideal thing of talking to her parents, the legislators would do the practical thing and make it possible for her to get a prescription contraceptive without her parents permission. This legislation ignored a time-honored policy of not allowing the medical profession, educators, or the government to interfere with our children without the parentís consent. Further complicating the issue is the belief by many social workers that these young women are sexually involved with men who are 7-9 years older. I am appalled by this monstrous exploitation.

However good the intentions, the results have been mixed. Certainly some young girls have avoided getting pregnant, but at what cost? Many have contracted venereal diseases like Chlamydia and herpes, which are at near epidemic levels in Alaska. In addition, several young girls have suffered irreparable physical damage because the medical people did not know the girlís health condition or family health history! There are a number of medical conditions that are triggered by, or exacerbated by, birth control pills and other prescription devices. Without accurate medical data and the family medical history, some of these young women are playing a deadly game of chance.

Presently, Alaska law requires that the medical personnel counsel the young girl concerning her valid interests and the interests of the parents. I have yet to find an example of the medical personnel doing this. I hope there are many.

When outraged parents called me about this dangerous invasion of their families, I was able to introduce legislation just before the bill submittal deadline. I arranged a review with the local ACLU chapter but I have yet to hear their formal comments. Last week a judge decided that Alaskan parents do not have a right to be involved in their minor childís decisions about having an abortion. Faced with this decision, I am quite certain that my bill, HB 372, which requires parental consent for prescription birth control medicines and devices, would not fare better. I am going to amend the bill to require the medical personnel to obtain the young girlís family and medical history. I will also attempt to require parental notification. I suspect that my colleagues may fight against this and amend it out. If you have an opinion on this issue, please let me know. Additionally, if you are aware of a better way to protect a young girlís health, prevent unwanted pregnancies and venereal diseases, while safeguarding family integrity, I would appreciate hearing from you.