Jane Harman: “as a mother of four, including a young adult daughter and a preteen daughter, I want my children to seek my advice if…”

“as a mother of four, including a young adult daughter and a preteen daughter, I want my children to seek my advice if not my approval on health-related matters, particularly those related to reproductive issues. But their willingness to talk to me and their father is based on trust and respect and cannot be mandated by requiring parental consent. The Istook amendment nullifies the statutes in the 49 States that allow teens to consent for screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. It also nullifies the law in 23 States which explicitly allows teens to consent for family planning services. This amendment undercuts any pretense of this body in assuring the primacy of States' rights. Mr. Chairman, the Istook amendment jeopardizes health, does nothing to bring parent and child together, and imposes Washington one-size-fits-all views on policies and procedures already decided by a majority of the States. This is a tough vote, but it is clear to this mother that the right vote is in opposition to the Istook amendment and in support of the Obey substitute, which goes farther in encouraging parental involvement in important health and reproductive questions of our children.”