Did you know that every state has different laws on abortion?

Should teenagers need parent consent to have an abortion? Rachel Cannada

All about Abortion It is a common, safe, legal and often necessary procedure. Abortion is a very personal and important decision. It will effect a persons life forever.

Percentages and Statistics More than 30 million American women have had an abortion since it was legalized in By the time they turn 20, about 40% of American women have been pregnant at least once. One in ten women who undergo an abortion suffer from infections. Almost 350,000 US teenagers under the age of 18 become pregnant each year.

State Laws 34 states require 1 or both parent consent. All of the 34 states requiring consent provide an alternative process for minors. In some states no parental consent is required at all. Consent can be given in a variety of ways. Other states, minors are provided with free legal representation under Jane’s Due Process.

Opinions on needing a consent Engaging in intercourse has consequences, telling your parents is one. Teenagers do not have the mental capacity of such permanent actions. Parents may be able to later talk her out of a decision she may later regret.

Opinions not needing a consent Parents may be opposed due to their beliefs. The child is the one who has to deal with it the rest of their life. Some cases of pregnancy is from sexual abuse.

Why Teens Don’t tell their Parents There are various, rational reasons why a teenager might not want to tell her parents she is pregnant. They might feel that they disrespected their beliefs. Some parents might throw their daughter out of the house, or become physically or emotionally abusive. The girl also may feel there is no choice but to run away or commit suicide. If the girl was sexually abused they might feel the rapist will come back after them if they find out the teenager has told someone.

Because I researched the laws of abortion, I decided to hold a toy drive for my product.

Preparing for the Drive Making flyers Decorating boxes Deciding what days to hold the drive Getting permission Meeting with my mentor

Holding the Drive Leaving a box at Building Blocks Day Care for about a month. Sitting outside of Wal-Mart for a total of six hours to collect toys. Taking pictures

Donating the Toys I picked up the box from the Day Care and gathered up all the toys. Called the Harbor House in Smithfield. Drove to Smithfield to donate the toys to the Harbor House. Donated new toys to Toys For Tots.

Mentor My mentor was Kelly Poole. She works at Wake Med Hospital. Things she helped me with: Contacting places to donate toys Taking pictures She was always available when I needed help

Challenges and Successes Challenges:  Finding out what to do for my product.  Choosing a place to donate the toys. Successes:  The amount of toys that everyone in the community donated.  The place I chose to donate the toys to.

Things I would Do Differently Pick a different topic because Abortion is a tough subject and it was hard to find something to do for my product.

What I Learned How helpful and generous the community is. The difficulties of being pregnant as a teenager. Being thankful for everything I have.

Thank you for your time. Do you have any questions?