Public outrage as 16-year-old girl denied abortion and labelled 'not mature enough'

A wave of outrage is once again sweeping the United States over abortion. A Florida court caused a stir when it ruled that a 16-year-old girl was 'not mature enough' to have an abortion. On 17 August, US elected officials denounced the ruling as 'a war on women'.

Young woman declared 'not mature enough'

On 15 August, A Florida court upheld a court decision involving a young girl known as 'Jane Doe 22-B'. She was deemed 'not mature enough to decide to terminate her pregnancy', according to Le Parisien. The American girl had been pregnant for only ten weeks when she sought an abortion in Florida.

In this state, the practice is legal for up to 15 weeks. The only condition is that at least one of the parents must give their permission. But the teenager's father and mother are both deceased.

Anger and indignation

On social networks, many Internet users were outraged, calling for a widespread boycott of the southern US state. The decision provoked anger for its inconsistency.

In what world is a 16-year-old too immature to have an abortion, but mature enough to carry and raise a child?

The ruling comes about two months after the revocation of Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed access to abortion nationwide since 1973. The Supreme Court's reversal sparked a flurry of protests in the country and strong reactions around the world. Since then, the American states have been free to legislate as they see fit on the subject. Some states like Oklahoma, Missouri, Alabama and Louisiana have banned abortion very quickly.

This article was translated from Oh!MyMag FR.

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