Florida Court Rules 16-Year-Old Is “Not Mature Enough” to Receive an Abortion
A 16-year-old in Florida, identified as Jane Doe 22-B, was told this week by a Florida court of appeals that she was “not mature enough” to receive an abortion. The decision was upheld, despite the teenager’s statements that she is “parentless” and “is not ready to have a baby,” according to NBC News.
To reiterate, the courts decided that she is not mature enough to make a decision about her own body. But she is mature enough to be a mother.
In Florida, where most abortions are banned after 15 weeks according to Planned Parenthood, there is a parental involvement requirement. This means that minors must notify their parents of an abortion, and obtain permission — typically in writing — before the procedure. Under state law, minors who cannot tell their parents about their decision to have an abortion, or are unable to receive written consent from them, can file a petition to excuse them from these requirements.
Court documents state that at the time of the ruling, this teen was 10 weeks pregnant and living with a relative. She also has an appointed guardian.
“She is pursuing a GED with involvement in a program designed to assist young women who have experienced trauma in their lives by providing educational support and counseling,” the papers state. “The minor experienced renewed trauma (the death of a friend) shortly before she decided to seek termination of her pregnancy.”
While the court decided to deny this teen the right to have an abortion, Judge Scott Makar dissented in part, writing that the courts should send the case back to Circuit Judge Jennifer Frydrychowicz for reconsideration.
“Based on the hearing transcript and her written order, the trial judge apparently sees this matter as a very close call, finding that the minor was ‘credible,’ ‘open’ with the judge, and nonevasive,” he wrote. “The trial judge denied the petition but explicitly left open the availability of further proceedings by saying that the ‘Court finds [the minor] may be able, at a later date, to adequately articulate her request, and the Court may re-evaluate its decision at that time.’”
“Given the open-ended nature of the order reflecting the trial judge’s willingness to hear from the minor again — and the time pressures presented — I would remand the case to the trial court,” Makar continued.
To take action against Florida and other states’ harmful restrictions, donate to a local abortion fund, if you’re able to do so. These organizations fund procedures, give access to contraception, and provide transportation and support for individuals traveling long distances or out of state for an abortion procedure. Find an organization near you via the National Network of Abortion Funds or donate to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, or the National Abortion Freedom. You can also try to find a protest near you. Check social media or visit Bans Off Our Bodies, a movement organized under Planned Parenthood. It has a map on their website where you can input your ZIP code, the date, the and type of event, and find a local rally.
You Might Also Like
