About the pregnant teen... I only have one question

[Unions]

is the media, anyone here, or otherwise either:

1. A family member
2. Her doctor
3. A friend
4. Her
5. Her social worker
6. Or at the very least someone that bloody knows her.

If not then it's none of your (or mine) business what she does unless you're asked! It's up to her and those involved to be involved, not to sit around and comment and get involved in her business when you've not been asked to.

The ONLY thing that should be talked about are the ones who are attempting to involve themselves in her reproductive health. This is a very difficult time for her and thanks to the media the whole country is involved in what she likely considers to be her personal and private business - not the business of whoever watches CNN. I have particularly been disgusted by comments from people who don't even know the details about her (nor do they have any business knowing them) condemning her.

Last year after a close friend and I just graduated high school I helped her get an abortion (no, the preganancy was not my doing) and I know this is something that most people do NOT appreciate the whole world knowing about, nor appreciate strangers giving their 2 cents about what they think she should do. It's unfortunate that people can't respect others privacy.

[imenja]

1. the state has made it their business

and we as taxpayers are the state

[Unions]

3. BS

You have no business getting involved in a persons reproductive health unless you are asked. She is entitled to medical privacy. Perhaps if you were a judge the situation would be different, but you're not.

[imenja]

You are not paying attention

As Florida residents, we are involved. I've never commented on this case, but the state of Florida has made it a public issue. Whether or not I open my mouth on the subject, we are involved. Get it?

[Unions]

9. It's public

as far as the courts are concerned. However, it has gone beyond that in the media.

[imenja]

11. if your point is simply that the choice is the girl's alone, I agree

but the state is determined that it should not be her choice, regardless that state law allows a minor to obtain an abortion without consent of a parent or guardian. My only interest is in the actions of the state, and you need to be concerned about that yourself. Even if you don't care about this girl's rights, it effects your own.

[Unions]

13. I think you totally missed the point

I agree entirely that the actions of the state are totally wrong and I hope the ACLU is able to handle the matter in time.

However, my point which you missed is the fact that the analysis of many has moved from the state to the person her self. The media and others have focused more on her, and in a perverted manner seem to be more interested in getting juicy details about HER to report to the masses. There is a 100+ post thread in LBN talking more about her personal business than the action of the state.... a thread that is entirely disappointing considering people at DU should have a better appreciation for reproductive privacy.

The fact that people are not primarily talking about the actions of the state demonstrates exactly what I am talking about. If people cared about her well being they would be focused on the state delaying her abortion. (after a certain time she will no longer be able to get one) Instead some seem to care more about making comments about her, which is exactly why her health is none of their business.

[uppityperson]

16. Exactly, forget her personal stuff, keep focus on what FLA is doing

The problem is not the girl, but the fact that the State is interfering. Thanks.

[imenja]

19. like the Schiavo case

It was the same then. People attacked the husband, the parents. All of that was aside from the point. The only issue that concerns us is the actions of the state.

[Jon_da_brockman]

2. Good post

Same as the Whole Terri Shiavo issue. No ones business. Pissed me off to know end when people who didnt even know her called her "Terri".

[zbdent]

7. Or that it's Schiavo?

[Jon_da_brockman]

8. woops my bad,

Though it proves my point. We dont know them, we dont know this girl, so its none of our business.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. I feel sorry for the girl

and only wish that her wishes be respected. I do think it is wholely appropriate to question a government entity that didn't care enough to keep track of said teen but now wants to interfere.

[Unions]

6. Yes it is important to question

the gov agency... but unfortunately the media and others are more interested in her personal details (and to make comments about them) rather than the actions of the state.

[Catherine Vincent]

5. They should spend more time finding the person that impregnated her.

[wakeme2008]

12. the girl should say the Judge is the father

:)

[flordehinojos]

10. it is too bad that neither LUCY HADI the old hag from the former HRS

(Health and REhabilitative Services) now serving jebush as person in charge of DCF Department of Children and Families; the judge handling the girl's case, jebush himself or any of those forcing her to carry the baby can or will experience having to carry a baby against their will and then giving birth to it.

[MissB]

14. It is unfortunate that this girl cannot get an abortion

Since she is clearly mature enough to understand the issues.

Part of being pro-choice means speaking up when another's choice is curtailed. It really is that easy.

[Unions]

15. Absolutely

It's too bad others are more interested in gossiping about her rather than protecting her choice, however.

[China_cat]

17. More than protecting her choice

protecting HER. She's 13 for cripe's sake. Her risks for complications for herself are even higher than they would be if she was 50. She's at very real risk of permanent disability or death if forced to carry this fetus...and the fetus is at high risk for birth defects (especially neural tube defect) making it unadoptable if it is carried to term.

I've worked with pregnant teens. The younger they are, the more likely the sperm supplier is to have been an adult male in a position of authority over her. There's no outrage at that person. Hell, there doesn't even seem to be any effort to find him.

I'm outraged that this is coming down to being her 'fault'. Nobody seems to have even tried to find out WHY she ran away from the shelter, or did it so often.

[Erika]

18. Jeb Bush's email address:

is [e-mail]

The issue is whether the state(government) or the mother has the right to decide. Let him know that it's a privacy decision to me made by the mother - regardless of her age.