President Reagan, from an address on March 8 in Orlando, Fla., to the National Association of Evangelicals:
For some years now, the federal government has helped with funds to subsidize [family-planning] clinics. In providing for this, the Congress decreed that every effort would be made to maximize parental participation [when birth-control materials are prescribed for underage girls]. Nevertheless, the drugs and devices are prescribed without getting parental consent or giving notification. Girls termed “sexually active"--that has replaced the word “promiscuous"--are given this help in order to prevent illegitimate birth or abortion.
We have ordered clinics receiving federal funds to notify the parents [when] such help has been given. ... I have watched TV panel shows discuss this issue, have read columns pontificating on our error, but no one seems to mention morality as playing a part in the subject of sex.
Is all of Judeo-Christian tradition wrong? Are we to believe that something so sacred can be looked upon as a purely physical thing with no potential for emotional and psychological harm? And isn’t it the parents’ right to give counsel and advice to keep their children from making mistakes that may affect their entire lives?
