Suchergebnisse

Since the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade,' minors have been particularly affected by the efforts of pro-life activists and state legislatures who have curtailed abortion rights by lobbying for and passing legislation that restricts reproductive freedom. Forty-three states have enacted laws requiring a minor either to obtain consent from or to notify one or both parents before undergoing an abortion, and thirty-three of these statutes are currently enforceable. The Supreme Court has recognized the right of parents to be involved in a child's upbringing and the prerogative of the state to limit a minor's freedom to make major life choices due to a minor's lack of experience or judgment. The Court, however, has held that the Fourteenth Amendment protects minors and adults alike and that a minor has the right to choose whether or not to terminate her pregnancy, subject to certain limitations imposed by the state. The Supreme Court has held that if a state requires a minor to consult with a parent before deciding to terminate her pregnancy, the state must offer the minor a judicial bypass option if she chooses not to involve a parent. The Court reasoned that, in order to protect a minor's right to choose, the state cannot allow parents an ab- solute veto over a minor's decision if she is mature enough to make the decision on her own or if she can demonstrate to a court that an abortion would be in her best interests." While the Supreme Court has not ruled whether a minor has a right to counsel in civil proceedings, child advocates argue that the appointment of counsel for minors in civil proceedings is necessary to ensure effective legal representation and adequate protection of a minor's interests. In states that mandate appointment of independent counsel on behalf of a minor in a civil proceeding, a juvenile court may appoint an attorney or a guardian ad litem to represent the minor. In addition to judicial bypass proceedings, a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent a minor in proceedings involving child ...

Background Violence against adolescent girls in humanitarian settings is of urgent concern given their additional vulnerabilities to violence and unique health and well-being needs that have largely been overlooked by the humanitarian community. In order to understand what works to prevent violence against adolescent girls, a multi-component curriculum-based safe spaces program (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship, Parental involvement and Safe Spaces – COMPASS) will be implemented and evaluated. The objectives of this multi-country study are to understand the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of COMPASS programming to prevent violence against adolescent girls in diverse humanitarian settings. Methods/design Two wait-listed cluster-randomized controlled trials are being implemented in conflict-affected communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (N = 886 girls aged 10–14 years) and in refugee camps in western Ethiopia (N = 919 girls aged 13–19 years). The intervention consists of structured facilitated sessions delivered in safe spaces by young female mentors, caregiver discussion groups, capacity-building activities with service providers, and community engagement. In Ethiopia, the research centers on the overall impact of COMPASS compared to a wait-list group. In DRC, the research objective is to understand the incremental effectiveness of the caregiver component in addition to the other COMPASS activities as compared to a wait-list group. The primary outcome is change in sexual violence. Secondary outcomes include decreased physical and emotional abuse, reduced early marriage, improved gender norms, and positive interpersonal relationships, among others. Qualitative methodologies seek to understand girls' perceptions of safety within their communities, key challenges they face, and to identify potential pathways of change. Discussion These trials will add much needed evidence for the humanitarian community to meet the unique needs of adolescent girls and to promote their safety and well-being, as well as contributing to how multi-component empowerment programming for adolescent girls could be adapted across humanitarian settings. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT02384642 (Registered: 2/24/15) and NCT02506543 (Registered: 7/19/15).