Two Cents: What About the Boys?

Proposition 73, the initiative that would mandate a waiting period and parental notification before the termination of a minor's pregnancy, is obviously a very hot issue. It is an especially hot issue for young voters who are just barely adults and who have only recently aged-out of the jurisdiction of the proposed initiative. So, as a one of these young voters, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the madness of Prop. 73 and ask the question, ”What about the boys?”

It seems that all anyone can talk about over this issue is the young, soon-to-be mothers who would be forced to get support from their parents in order to have an abortion. Granted I am all for parents supporting their children, especially in cases like these where their daughters are extremely scared and vulnerable, but what about the young, soon-to-be fathers? Where do they fit into this calculation? If a girl is going to be forced to notify her parents, it is only fair that the boy who impregnated her should be forced to notify his parents as well. It takes two to tango and both partners are equally responsible for this dilemma.

Now, I know what you must be thinking. Does this mean that the adolescent girl would be forced to inform the father before having an abortion? In such a sticky situation, I think it is in the girl’s best interest to put some of the pressure on her male partner’s shoulders. Soon-to-be mothers should not be alone in such a situation and soon-to-be fathers should not run away from their responsibilities.

The conditions would be different in cases of rape. If the girl knows her offender, he should be notified and punished, which is already the case. If the girl does not know her offender, then this idea does not apply.

In the era of women’s rights and gender equality, there is obviously something wrong with Proposition 73 and the list of opponents proves it. How can such an initiative even be considered if it does not examine half of the problem?