Editorial: Law makes life hard for parents

There was once a time when parents had full authority over their children until they were 18.
This was considered the age of adulthood. But times have changed. Teenagers are now doing things younger and seem to have more rights than ever.
The issue of girls under 16 being legally able to keep abortions secret from their parents is a prime example - and it's in the headlines.
The issue was reignited after it was revealed a schoolgirl had an abortion arranged by a school counsellor without the mother's knowledge.
Bay principals spoken to by this newspaper are divided on the issue. The law is clear. The 2004 Care of Children Act means this can happen.
But does this make it right?
Advocates argue it is up to each girl about whether to inform her parents. They say the complicated issue of the relationship between them and whether the parents are in fact good parents is an important factor.
Some girls may even be in danger if they tell - and this is a good point. There are so many bad and abusive parents out there they last thing anyone wants is a teenage girl suffering for her mistake.
There is also a strong flip side.
Others, like Tauranga City Councillor and Kiwi Party leader Larry Baldock, believe it should be mandatory parents are told in all but exceptional circumstances when it comes to teens under 16.
Family First says a survey last year found four out of five people believed parents should be told.
There will be huge numbers of Bay parents who agree and many who have until now been unaware of this law.
There will always be sensible daughters of good parents who make mistakes. Does this mean that the decent parents of a 13-year-old have no right to know what has happened or a say in the matter?
How does this affect their cultural or religious beliefs?
Secrecy between parents and their children is generally not a good thing. And a decision to terminate a pregnancy is a major one that can have downstream effects forever.
This is a complex matter and the law needs overhauling.
There needs to be a better system involving counsellors, doctors and judges to determine what is right in each individual circumstance.
It is critical young people are safe and protected. But this has to be balanced with the rights of parents who are responsible for them.