Measure 43 is more than just a ill-conceived ballot measure on Oregon's upcoming election. Measure 43 is not about progressive/conservative politics or viewpoints. It is about the well being and health of teenagers. Measure 43 is dangerous-plain and simple. Oregon religious extremists have put the very lives of Oregon teens on the ballots. These so-called "pro-family" Christian groups claim that they are doing this to protect the girls, though in reality, what they are truly doing is putting these teen girls at even more risk.

Did you know that only OVER 90% of teen girls that actually do go through with terminating their pregnancy DO talk to their parents beforehand?

Here are the facts:
Oregon's current law states that a minor between the ages of 15 and 18 is able to seek medical attention without the consent of a parent or guardian. ANY medical attention. If you are 14 and under, a parent does need to consent. Now, looking back on my years as a teen I can say that I am glad to have had this confidentiality, although in all honesty, my parents and I didn't have things to hide from each other.

Imagine this though. Imagine that I was 16 years old and raped by my uncle. My family life was already unstable and my father, to say the least, had a temper. Pretend that I became pregnant by my uncle who raped me. Due to the violence in my family already, this is not something I can discuss with my parents without fear of my father physically and emotionally abusing me further. What is a 16 year old girl supposed to do?

I make the only decision I can. I decide to terminate my pregnancy.

If Measure 43 were to pass, I would not exactly have this option. My parents would be immediately notified at least 48 hours before the procedure.

What the extremists who brought Measure 43 to the ballot do not tell you are the following things:

• No exception for rape or incest
  
• Permits doctors to be sued-or even lose their licenses-if the letter isn't received for any reason
  
• Puts teens that have been abused by a parent at very serious risk of further violence
  

If Measure 43 passes and becomes law, it means that many teens will not seek the medical attention the need, instead they will take more extreme measures. I don't need to go into details about how a teenage girl may terminate her own pregnancy without professional medical assistance, but you imagine.

So when voting yes or no on Measure 43, think about this: What if the parent is their abuser or raper? What will happen to the teen girl when her father gets this notification?

It's not simple and it is definitely not at all safe. Vote NO on Measure 43.

Visit No on 43 for more information.



-Jenn S.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 12:08 AM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.