Many without legal guardian despite need(Florida Fetus rape case)

http://www.sptimes.com ^ | 5-19-03 | Associated Press

[OXENinFLA]

Many without legal guardian despite need The state says more than 850 adults in state-licensed facilities can't consent on legal or medical issues. By Associated Press, © St. Petersburg Times published May 19, 2003

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ORLANDO - The rape of a 22-year-old severely disabled woman in an Orlando group home has called attention to a lack of legal guardians for more than 850 mentally disabled adults under state supervision.

The victim, referred to in court by her initials, J.D.S., cannot speak, barely walks and suffers from severe mental retardation, autism and seizure disorder. As she approaches her sixth month of pregnancy resulting from the rape, no one has the legal power to make critical decisions on her behalf.

Investigators are trying to get a DNA sample from her to try to determine the identity of the man who assaulted her. They cannot get permission, because the woman can't speak for herself and a guardian has not been appointed for her.

Department of Children and Families records show the woman is among 857 adults in state-licensed group homes who are too mentally disabled to consent legally to medical or legal procedures, yet have no guardians to assume that critical role.

Another 43 lack guardians even though courts have found them to be incompetent, the Orlando Sentinel reported Sunday. Florida law requires the appointment of a legal guardian after a person is declared incompetent.

[OXENinFLA]

This story is going to get bigger and bigger the closer the mothers due date approaches.

The ramifications of this could be huge.

One thing I think would change is Fathers could then stop a woman from having an abortion if he wanted to stop it.

[OXENinFLA]

Bump.