Your editorial urging repeal of Illinois’ parental notification for abortion law — which requires girls age 17 and younger seeking an abortion to notify a parent or get approval from a judge to bypass the requirement — dwells on the handful of problems that young women have encountered, without mentioning the law’s benefits. There are two that stand out
First, fathers are often in a position to help their pregnant teenage daughters. In my family law practice, I represent many fathers whose presence in their daughters’ lives is unfortunately limited. But these men, if they knew about their daughter’s predicament, would try to help — possibly with adoption or even helping to raise the child, but certainly with support throughout the pregnancy. An informed father might even retain legal counsel to identify his daughter’s impregnator and secure child support, even if it’s only a small amount.
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Second, some girls become pregnant because they are sexually assaulted. Parents who are notified can follow up and make sure the police are called and that the offender is held accountable. What father wants to be ignorant of the fact that his daughter was raped and is pregnant as a result?
Some girls do face obstacles with judicial bypass, and we can work to remove those obstacles. But to repeal the law would be to discard parents, especially fathers, who in many cases can and do help their daughters.
Jeffery M. Leving, Loop
Don’t fall for Trump’s antics again
It’s disheartening to read Laura Washington’s column about dismissing the upcoming impeachment trial of former President Trump. Once again, the press falls for Trump’s tactics. Of course, he wants everyone to be tired of his antics, especially when it works in his favor.
Ms. Washington says our focus should be in trying to unite our country again. Well, at one time everyone agreed that they would abide by the U.S. Constitution as the law of the land. So that’s the choice now for each and every American. Do you want a country of laws established by many people, or do you want a country ruled by one man and his whims?
It doesn’t matter if you’re weary or dismissive of the upcoming impeachment trial. We ask immigrants who become new American citizens to take an oath that they will not overthrow the United States government. They do so proudly and willingly. Do we need to ask our elected officials to take the same oath?
Martha L. Koranda, Romeoville
