Parents’ involvement, responsibility for medical decisions endorsed | North Carolina

(The Center Square) – Backed with strong statements on involvement and responsibility, North Carolina Republicans led passage Tuesday evening of the Parents Protection Act in the House of Representatives.

Two of three Democrats speaking in debate said adults in addition to parents were needed for trust and providers needed to be empowered rather than put in tougher situations. Rep. Carla Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg, shared personal testimony from when her son was 14 and how she had to go through litigation to be involved.

Medical decisions are the parents’ fundamental rights, according to the bill also known as House Bill 560. Passage was 68-41.

Cunningham, when speaking, didn’t say exactly how she would vote but did endorse the proposal. No Republicans opposed the measure and other Democrats in favor were Wake County’s Abe Jones, Scotland County’s Garland Pierce and Guilford County’s Amos Quick.

Additionally, the proposal would make sure parents can’t be accused of abuse or neglect for raising their child according to birth sex or lose custody of their children if there is disagreement of their sex when born and a potential gender identity claim. Potential adoptions or foster care would not be tied to prospective parents having to affirm gender identity.

Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Henderson, said bypassing parents leaves kids without support. She noted analysis showing better outcomes from Texas where similar statutes are in place. Balkcom, a primary sponsor of the bill, said the legislation gives parents the ability to be involved, present and responsible for the child that they love.

“Blue and red parents support this bill,” Balkcom said.

Rep. Julie von Haefen, D-Wake, said, “Parents can’t do it alone. Kids need others to trust. This bill puts a chilling effect on minors seeking treatment.”

She also pointed out “nothing in the current law prevents parents from being involved.”

Rep. Deb Butler, D-New Hanover, said minors would be stripped of rights, it doesn’t empower providers, and said “the bill is about politics, not health care.”

Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union, dismissed any notion that parents in the 21st century are as many bad as good, or worse.

“Children should not be used in a liberal agenda that separates the children from the parents,” Arp said. “Parents have the right to make these choices with their children.”