Covenant News Wire Service

Judge in Fla. Abortion Dispute Blasts DCW

Florida in Abortion Dispute

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A judge who blocked an abortion for a 13-year-old living in a state shelter blasted Florida's social services agency after learning the girl had run away at least five times and was gone for a month when she became pregnant.

Juvenile Judge Ronald Alvarez said the Department of Children and Families failed to even notify the court that she was gone so police could try to find her.

"To say I am angry is an understatement," Alvarez said Thursday.

The girl learned she was pregnant two weeks ago and planned to have an abortion Tuesday. Her caseworker arranged for transportation and help. But the DCF asked Alvarez to block the procedure, citing a state law that says the agency cannot consent to any abortion.

Alvarez granted the request, prompting an immediate appeal by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU says Florida statutes protect a minor's right to decide on an abortion.

The 4th District Court of Appeal said it will make its decision soon.

Alvarez held a hearing Thursday on whether an abortion might physically or emotionally harm the girl. He met with her in private, but said in court that the state should have done more to help her.

"Where are our priorities in life?" he asked.

In 2003, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a law requiring parents to be notified if their minor daughters seek an abortion. Florida's high court also cited privacy rights in 1989 when it tossed out a law that would have required parental consent for a minor's abortion.


http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a
p/20050429/ap_on_re_us/abortion_dispute_1

Posted by Editor at April 29, 2005 10:16 AM