I was disappointed to read on the front page of The Durango Herald that Sen. Ellen Roberts voted for Senate Bill 77 the so-called Parents’ Bill of Rights (Feb. 12). In her column (Herald, Feb. 18), she does not mention all of the negative impacts this misguided bill will create. Parents already have rights, which are balanced in Colorado law with the best interests for children.

How will children who are abused by their parents be protected? The trusted adults whom children go to for help (any help, not just in the case of abuse) will be unable to assist without fear of prosecution. The column states, “Reality today is that many parents spend far fewer waking hours with their kids than other adults in the children’s lives.” If that is the case, why pass a law that restricts the help these adults can provide?

This bill will undermine and endanger any laws that protect children and their rights to information and assistance. Current Colorado law allows minors confidential access to mental health, family planning and reproductive health-care services. The law already includes a parental notice requirement for minors who intend to access abortion services. For Colorado’s children this bill is dangerous and unnecessary.

Candice Carson

Durango