Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy
Changes California Constitution, prohibiting abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent, legal guardian, or, in limited cases, substitute adult relative. Provides an exception for medical emergency or parental waiver. Fiscal Impact: Potential unknown net state costs of several million dollars annually for health and social services programs, court administration, and state health agency administration combined.
Now here’s a heavy issue, and, not being a parent, one I consider myself wholly unable to understand.
As such, I’m voting No on Prop 4 based on the following organizations that stand in opposition to the initiative.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, California District
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District IX
- California Academy of Family Physicians
- California Family Health Council
- California Nurses Association
- California School Counselors Association
- California Teachers Association
To the extent that I can form an opinion on the matter, I don’t believe any law can mandate proper family communication.
The sad reality is that domestic violence exists. If a young girl fears physical or emotional abuse from her family, I believe she is better served initially by professional counselors at places such as Planned Parenthood. These counselors urge teens to talk with their parents, but are also trained to detect signals that would indicate potential threats.
If this option is eliminated, an already distressed teen may consider worse alternatives, such as a back-alley abortion or suicide. The first option should be to talk to someone who will listen, be it family or not.
Additional information is available at Ballotpedia.
