James Thalman's article "Utahns support parental-consent bill" (Jan. 18) brings to light the well-meaning yet misguided efforts of the Utah Legislature to protect the health of our families. The article notes that only eight teens have applied for judicial bypass, while simultaneously remarking upon the "alarming" increase in Utah teen birth rates. If Utah legislators claim to care about the health of our families, why would they choose to attack this small group of teenagers rather than assisting the thousands of kids giving birth? Our legislators should promote prevention and abstinence-based, comprehensive sex education that helps teenagers with the reality they face. When Utah legislators work with all of us to prevent the causes of teen pregnancy and take a step back from partisan agendas and step forward into reality, perhaps then we will witness a decrease in teen pregnancy and an increase in safe, happy and healthy families.

Joey Richards

Salt Lake City