[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 23, 2009

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a former foster mother to 
23 troubled teens, I strongly believe in the important role of the 
parent or legal guardian in a child's life. This is especially true 
when it comes to matters as serious as the health and wellbeing of that 
child. Prescription drugs, such as medication to treat psychiatric 
conditions, can have a major impact on the mind and body of an adult, 
let alone the young mind and body of a child. And, let's be clear: As 
adult as today's teens like to appear, they are still very much 
children in need of adult guidance. Critical decisions regarding the 
administration of prescription medications should only be made by a 
qualified medical doctor with the express consent of a parent or legal 
guardian.
  Consider contraception, for example. Contraceptives can cause serious 
medical problems like blood clots and migraine headaches. Even worse, 
they can be dispensed in certain combinations to prevent implantation 
of new baby, a form of abortion that many parents and young girls find 
morally reprehensible. This ``morning after pill'' can also be used to 
hide evidence of sexual abuse, one of the very forms of abuse that this 
legislation is seeking to prevent.
  Unfortunately, H.R. 911 would not only allow residential treatment 
facilities to change a child's prescription medication without the 
consent of her or his parent or legal guardian, but without even 
consulting them. Committee Republicans offered language to require 
consent before such a change in prescription medication, but it was 
defeated during committee consideration, almost by party line. The 
right of consent is a necessary component of any decision affecting the 
life of a child, and should be explicitly stated in this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, the parents and guardians that have raised and cared for 
these children know and understand their children and their medical 
histories best. Without language requiring consent prior to any change 
in prescription medication, the potential positive impact of this 
legislation is lost, and so is the important role of the parent in the 
life of his or her child.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

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