On September 23, 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a controversial bill into law that allows children to hide medical procedures and treatments from their parents. Insurance companies will no longer notify parents when their child wants an abortion, puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones, reported Christian Headlines.

Now law, AB 1184 will not require minors to receive authorization from parents for “sensitive services.” The law defines “sensitive services” as meaning “all health care services related to mental or behavioral health, sexual and reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, substance use disorder, gender affirming care, and intimate partner violence.” AB 1184 also requires the insurance company to speak only with the child unless the child requests that the parents be notified.

Bypassing Parental Rights

While the law is purported to protect “the privacy rights of people receiving sensitive health care services,” critics say the law bypasses parental rights.

“How can moms and dads protect their children if insurance companies deliberately keep them in the dark?” California Family Council President Jonathan Keller said in a statement. “Parents are responsible for the health and safety of their sons and daughters. Even the best-intentioned medical providers cannot replace the role of mothers and fathers. California should not force doctors to hide the truth about irreversible medical procedures like abortion and sterilizing hormone treatments.”

All nine California Republican Senators sent a letter to Newsom asking him to veto AB 1184. The letter stated in part, “We should be encouraging parents and family to be involved in their children’s lives, not removing them further from it.” Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Rancho Cucamonga) drafted the letter and the other senators signed it.

AB 1356

In addition, Newsom signed AB 1356. The new law penalizes anyone who videotapes or photographs abortion clinic’s employees or patients. That law didn’t go far enough to protect pro-life counselors or those who peacefully protest outside abortion clinics, according to Keller. 

“No health care provider or patient should face harassment, either online or in-person. But AB 1356 fails to consider peaceful pro-life advocates who sometimes use body-cam footage to protect themselves and their clients.”

The Government Taking Over Parenting

Earlier today, pastor Franklin Graham posted on Gab about the new laws.

What’s a clear sign that the government wants to take over everything? When they take over parenting and try to control the relationships in your own family. California did just that. One of the most extreme legislatures with one of the most extreme governors just passed and signed AB 1184. This dangerous and overreaching law makes sure health insurance companies keep parents in the dark about irreversible medical procedures for their children like abortion or gender-transitioning hormone treatments that cause sterilization.

Graham added that he can see why there is a “mass exodus” of people leaving California. “Government hostility towards family, parenting and the church is on the rise. Christians need to run for office in every community and on the state level to try to bring change that is so desperately needed.”

Nancy Flory, Ph.D., is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.