THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 7, 1997 TAG: 9702070005
SECTION: FINAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
I would like to question Sen. Mark L. Earley's regard for ``family values.'' His concern over passing a law that would require parental notification for minors seeking abortions seems misguided at best. A quote by Senator Earley in an article on Jan. 30 states, ``We've taken one step forward in our effort to strengthen families and protect children.'' Looking at this statement out of context of the entire article makes Senator Earley seem like a champion of family issues.
Stunned, the average voter might be relieved to think that finally someone is going to try to pass laws to increase the minimum wage. Someone is going to make kids want to attend school because they know that school is the passport to a better life. Someone is going to tell families that everyone deserves better health care.
But, no. This is not what Senator Earley is all about. His only concern is that these young women give up their intelligence, their dignity and their rights, and make them ask their parents to give them liberty to have an abortion.
It is a woman's issue Sen. Mark Earley, and it is a family issue. But, Senator, you are not a woman, and you are not in my family. More legislators need to step back and stop confusing abortion issues and family issues.
THERESA HOLLIDAY
Virginia Beach, Jan. 30, 1997