Let me see if I can get this straight. The Illinois House passed legislation recently that would require anyone younger than 18 to have parental consent before they could have any part of their bodies pierced, other than their ears. While this may sound noble and will contribute to parental responsibility, which is always a good thing, I am in utter amazement.

If parents are to be so concerned about self-mutilations, where are the laws that require minor children to have a parent's consent prior to an abortion?

After spending years listening to the heart-wrenching stories of women who aborted during their teen years, I am convinced that had parents been involved and had proper counseling prior to the aborting of their grandchildren, more young women would have chosen to carry their babies to term, thus avoiding the years of regret, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, broken relationships, etc. that come along with that decision.

Abortion pierces more than a body part. It pierces the very soul of a young girl and leaves a scar that will never go away. Perhaps our schizophrenic Legislature ought to consider that.

Karen Campbell
Canton, Illinois