Will Grandparent Liability Help Curb Teenage Pregnancy?

Abstract

The US State of Wisconsin's Abortion Prevention and Family Responsibility Act was the product of a Special Committee on Pregnancy Options appointed by the legislature, and equally composed of opponents and advocates of legal abortion. The compromise proposal represents both sides of the issue by providing for adolescent pregnancy prevention through support for sex education, school-based clinics, and easier contraceptive access as well as maternity homes, adoption services, and natural family planning (FP). Other provisions of the law include grant programs for programs such as residential facilities for pregnant adolescents; expansion of programs for school-age nothers to include fathers, and stipulation that group disability insurance must include maternity coverage for all persons covered. The most controversial proposal is the grandparent liability provision. Its rationale is that the prospect of having to provide financial support for their grandchildren would be an incentive for parents to teach sexual responsibility to their adolescent children, and would relieve maternal grandparents and the welfare system of some financial burden. Child support obligations must be assigned by a court order. Paternal and maternal grandparents are deemed equally liable. An important issue not addressed is that of medical expenses. The 1st support order was issued in April 1986 and successfully challenged on technical grounds by the maternal grandparents. The legislation, linked to a growing current of enforcing family financial responsibility for all members, has been criticized for doubts thrown on its perceived lack of effectiveness: 40% of fathers of adolescent pregnancies are over 18; and it is possible that the law is so esoteric that it would be a weak incentive. Also, despite the contention that it is legitimate to encourage family responsibility through legislation, the law may conflict with federal and state laws guarenteeing minors the right to confidential FP. Whether the law could have an effect on custody rights of grandparents is also in question.