To the editor:

Some members of the Mississippi House of Representatives are so set on restricting teens’ access to reproductive health care that they are trying to change the House rules to force a vote on HB 520. This bill further restricts teens’ access to safe and legal abortion services in a state that already has some of the nation’s strictest laws.

This attempt to change legislative rules is nothing more than a power play with no regard for the health and safety of Mississippi teens.

This bill would allow one parent to sue another or any trusted family member who helps a teen access abortion services. Teens should be encouraged to involve parents in health care decisions and most teens do. But for some teens, speaking to both parents about reproductive health care is not an option.

Mississippi legislators should focus on preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, not on bills that could tear families apart.

This bill also mandates that any adult who supervises teens and has knowledge of two teenagers engaging in sexual activity report that relationship to authorities.

If teens are going to make good choices about their sexual health they need to be able to turn to a trusted adult – a parent, doctor, nurse, clergy member, teacher, or counselor. But if teens are afraid of being reported to state officials it’s unlikely they will seek advice, much less critical health care services.

Mississippi families need support to prevent unintended teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections – not legislation that further restricts access to health care. Ask your legislator to stop playing politics with the health and safety of Mississippi teens.

— Jill R. Chancey, PhD

Laurel