Minors are prohibited from smoking, drinking or going on trips without parental permission. Therefore, how can a teenager have an abortion without her parents' approval? Abortion itself is a controversial topic, and underage abortion is even more controversial. Minors should not have an abortion without the consent of their parents or legal guardians for a variety of reasons. First, most teenagers are not mature enough to make decisions that will change their lives forever. According to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “some older adolescents have the cognitive ability and ability to reason similar to an adult. However, neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain undergoes profound reorganization during adolescence, particularly in brain regions related to executive functions” (qtd. in Christian Med.). In other words, most adolescents lack the maturity and wisdom needed to make life-changing decisions (Christian Med.). In most situations, teenagers are desperate and make choices without thinking about the long-term consequences of their actions. If abortion is difficult, it is enough for an adult woman to imagine what it must be like for a teenager with no one at her side to advise and guide her. Imagine how confusing the mind of a fourteen-year-old girl would be when she goes through an abortion without her parents telling her that everything will be okay. How can a fourteen year old girl handle all this stress? Secondly, ensure that parental rights are respected; minors should need parental consent to obtain an abortion (Earll). Parents are legally responsible for the well-being of their children. They are responsible for turning in the...... half of the paper ......D.; and Allison Cowett, MD, MPH, plaintiffs-appellants, vs. Brent Adams, Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, in his official capacity; Daniel Bluthardt, Director of Divi." 2010. OpposedViewpoints in Context. Web. December 24, 2013. Why parents should know. November 25. 2013.