A state-funded sex education website is telling visitors that getting an abortion is “much easier than it sounds.” Needless to say, pro-life advocates have a problem with this. Maria, main character for the Massachusetts-based site MariaTalks.com, tells users that abortion is “more common than you might think” and is “safe and effective, though some people may experience temporary discomfort.” It doesn’t discuss risks involved in the procedure (other than saying it’s better to get an abortion sooner rather than later). It gives advice on how kids under 18 can skirt a state law that says kids need to have a parent’s or guardian’s permission before getting an abortion. “I know it sounds crazy,” Maria says, referring to the legal loophole, “but this really can be done; and young women do this all the time here in Massachusetts.”
“The commonwealth is using taxpayer money to tell kids how to get a secret abortion, and that’s wrong,” said Linda Thayer, vice president for educational affairs of Massachusetts Citizens for Life. “This is a misuse of state funds, especially for parents who are taxpayers.” (Boston Herald)