Virginia Democrats Allow the Sterilization of Minors Without Parental Consent
A new "right to contraception" law could open the door for unrestricted use of the abortion pill and sterilization of children with gender dysphoria.
Virginia Democrats are bragging about new legislation that gives unlimited access to contraception and sterilization procedures to anyone. The proposed new law would have no age limit or parental permission clause and could include the abortion pill and sterilization of children who suffer from gender dysphoria.
The legislators carrying the companion bills, House Bill 6 and Senate Bill 596 call them the "right to contraception" bills.
It would do much more than just provide women with a right to obtain birth control pills and contraceptive implants.
If signed by Gov. Spanberger (D), the law would establish a right to obtain contraceptives and sterilization, no age limit or parental consent required. A "health care provider" could legally sterilize a pre-teen or teen without parental consent or knowledge, or provide her an abortion on demand.
Earlier versions of the senate legislation included language that excluded minors. Del. Marcia Price (D-Newport News), the author of HB 6, opposed that language. It was removed by the conference committee formed to negotiate the differences between the House and Senate versions.
The legislation could also be interpreted to include the abortion pill—Mifepristone. The final bill includes any "product intended for use in the prevention of pregnancy, whether specifically intended to prevent pregnancy or for other health needs" that is "marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." Mifepristone is marketed under that act and could be considered "for other health needs."
The bills include sterilization procedures under the definition of contraception and gives any person a right to "engage in contraception." The patient must give informed consent but neither bill includes an age limit or parental notification requirement. So, if your minor child goes to Planned Parenthood to be sterilized or get birth control, as a parent you would have no say.
Transgender males often opt for an orchiectomy—a sterilization procedure that removes the testicles. Under this legislation, a minor child could have his testicles removed without knowledge of his parents as long as he gives the doctor permission.
While other Virginia laws address healthcare for minors, including parental notification, this new legislation indicates it would supersede those laws. The companion bills state that the rights to contraceptives and contraception (including sterilization) "shall not be infringed upon by any law, regulation, or policy that expressly or effectively limits, delays, or impedes access to contraceptives or information related to contraception." They further indicate neither the state nor localities may enforce any law, regulation, or other standards that "prohibits or restricts any person from aiding another person in obtaining any contraceptives or utilizing any contraceptive methods."
Picture, if you will: your neighbor takes your 11-year-old daughter to the doctor to get birth control. There can be no consequences under the law.
That's how Del. Marcia Price (D-Newport News) and Sen. Carol Foy (D-Woodbridge), the authors of these bills, want it.
The implications of these bills should shock Virginia parents and citizens. The Democrats call it harmless access to contraception. In reality, this sweeping legislation strips parents of their fundamental rights to protect their minor children from irreversible medical procedures. Minor children cannot possibly provide informed consent. The laws and societal norms that have safeguarded parental responsibility for thousands of years recognize that fundamental fact.
The rights of parents to safeguard their children must not be sacrificed in the name of political ideology.
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