Judge’s decision that 13-year-old has right to abortion is ‘absurd’, says pro-life group

Palm Beach, Fla., May 3, 2005 / 22:00 pm

A pro-life group said a judge’s decision, allowing a 13-year-old to have an abortion, is “absurd and very harmful abuse.”

Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Alvarez ruled Monday that a 13-year-old girl has the constitutional right to have an abortion. He ordered the young girl's custodians or attorneys to drive her to the abortion clinic. 

The teenage girl is a ward of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Her legal guardian fought in court to stop the procedure. One of her lawyers is the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida.

"Judge Alvarez created rights for a 13-year-old girl who is far too young to make such decisions and understand the repercussions, both physical and emotional, of terminating her pregnancy," said Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council.

"The ACLU and Judge Alvarez seem to believe children know best when it comes to abortion even though they legally cannot determine whether they are ready for a body piercing, tattoo or even a tanning booth until they have reached the age of 18 in some states,” Perkins continued.

“This is an absurd and very harmful abuse by the ACLU and Judge Alvarez to advance their own political agendas regardless of who will get hurt in the process."