On Wednesday, an Indiana judge sided with Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union in a lawsuit making it easier for underage girls to get abortions without their parents’ knowledge.
The lawsuit involved three provisions of a new law, Senate Enrolled Act 404, which was set to take effect on July 1 and ensure that parents be informed of their daughters’ medical decisions.
On May 18, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky and the ACLU of Indiana joined forces to sue the state over the provisions which they claimed create “an unconstitutional undue burden on unemancipated minors.”
Yesterday, US District Judge Sarah Evans Barker agreed with the two organizations and granted them a preliminary injunction. In a blatantly self-contradictory ruling, she tried to rationalize her decision:
When it comes to our children, while parents or others entrusted with their care and wellbeing have the lawful and moral obligation always to act in their best interests, children are not bereft of separate identities, interests, and legal standing.
So, while Barker acknowledges that parents have “the lawful and moral obligation” to act for their children’s best interests, she throws that out the window when it comes to abortion — one of the most life-altering procedures imaginable.
Ken Falk, ACLU of Indiana’s Legal Director, released a statement praising Barker’s ruling:
This decision affirms that the state must continue to provide a safe alternative for young women who – whatever their circumstances – are unable to talk to their parents about this difficult and personal decision.
During a news conference today, Betty Cockrum, president of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, called the ruling a big win for “young women here in Indiana who are already dealing with an incredibly difficult situation.”
It should come as no surprise that Planned Parenthood is trying to hide young girls’ reproductive decisions from their parents. They have to do this because they are afraid. They’re afraid that, by talking to their parents about it, young girls will be convinced to keep their babies, and that, of course, would mean less business for Planned Parenthood.
Once again, it’s all about the money.
