UN report decries parental consent laws, notes economic potential of record population
November 20, 2014
The United Nations Population Fund has issued its annual State of World Population report.
The report decried barriers to adolescent “reproductive health” care, including laws that require parental consent for contraception or abortion. The report also lamented the influence of religious organizations in opposing “comprehensive sexuality education” and criticized religious leaders and parents for regulating “access to information and services.”
At the same time, the fund’s executive director sees immense economic potential in youth.
“Today's record 1.8 billion young people present an enormous opportunity to transform the future," said Babatunde Osotimehin, according to an AP report. “Never again is there likely to be such potential for economic and social progress.”
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Posted by: -
Nov. 22, 2014 3:24 PM ET USA
Parental consent isn't just for allowing the school nurse to issue an aspirin tablet to a child who complains of a headache. So much more should they protect their children against contraceptives & abortion counseling.
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Posted by: FredC -
Nov. 21, 2014 10:40 AM ET USA
"Comprehensive sexuality education" should, but does not, address the psychological impact, both immediate and long-term, of extra-marital sexual intercourse (EMSI). EMSI weakens later commitments and fidelity, weakening the family and thereby causing poverty. Such education also does not include the various religious views of EMSI.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Nov. 21, 2014 6:13 AM ET USA
It's interesting that these people are finally admitting that there is some upside to having a strong youth population.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 20, 2014 5:57 PM ET USA
Odd to see "UN report decries parental consent laws, notes economic potential of record population" in the same headline. Are more young people a good thing or a bad thing? If good, then why object to slowing down the killing of them?
