B.C. parent and teacher group petitions for parental consent

As things stand now in B.C., a 14 -year-old girl can have an abortion without her parents' counsel or permission, even without their knowledge.

B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life is hoping to change that by drafting a petition calling on the provincial government to require parental consent before a health-care worker refers a minor for such a procedure.

Ted Hewlett, president of BCPLT, said the group is hoping that churches, pro-life groups, and individuals throughout the province will support this petition.

In 1992, he said, the B.C. government, in spite of vocal opposition, brought in legislation authorizing a "health care provider" to arrange "health care" for a minor without obtaining the parent or guardian's consent to that "care." The government subsequently admitted that no law or ministry directives prevented pro-abortion counseling or referrals in public schools.

"While BCPTL is a pro-life organization chiefly concerned with the potential the Infants Act has for the promotion of abortion, we feel that parents should also be aware of the possibility of other potentially dangerous procedures being carried out without parental permission."

The BCPTL petition, Hewlett said, is being circulated at a time when the government has indicated a wish to give parents more say in the education system.

"We hope this will give the petition a better chance of gaining a sympathetic ear from government MLAs. The reaction of the government may be a good test of its attitude toward parental rights."

The petition, after summarizing the effect of the current Infants Act, says, "Your petitioners respectfully request the Honorable House enact legislation to mandate the consent of an infant's parent or guardian before a health care provider arranges health care, except in the case of a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment when the consent of the parent or guardian is not available."

A printable version of the petition as well as further information may be found on the B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life website at www.bcptl.org. Information may also be obtained by phoning or faxing BCPTL at 604-512-9594 or by e-mailing them at executive@bcptl.org.