Proposition 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy

From Mobilize the Immigrant Vote!

What is the Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy Constitutional Amendment?

This measure will make it illegal for women under 18 years old to have an abortion without doctor notification to a parent/legal guardian at least 48 hours before the procedure. In cases of parental abuse, another adult family member would have to be notified of the proposed abortion. Exceptions would be made for medical emergencies. A waiver of the parental notification requirement could be granted by a court based on clear and convincing evidence of the young woman’s maturity or best interests.

Proposition 4 would also require physicians and the Department of Health Services to issue a public report on abortions for young women in every county, including the young women’s ages, dates of birth, duration of pregnancy, number of prior abortions or pregnancies, and type of procedures. It allows monetary damages against physicians who violate the Act. The measure’s cost is unknown.

What do supporters of Proposition 4 say?

• Its supporters call it the “Child and Teen Safety and Stop Predators Act: Sarah’s Law”;
• It protects minors from risks associated with “secret” abortions;
• It prevents sexual predators from using “secret” abortions to “conceal sexual exploitation of minors”;
• It includes exceptions for medical emergencies.

What do opponents of Proposition 4 say?

• Voters have already said “no” to two similar propositions;
• The proposition limits a young women’s right to privacy.
• The measure will put young women at risk of seeking dangerous alternative means to terminate their pregnancies;
• The proposition forces young women to navigate a complicated court system to waive notification;

Who supports Proposition 4?

Don Sebastiani, winemaker; James Holman, newspaper owner; California Catholic Conference; Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; the Lewanee Trust; the Caster Family Trust. (Partial Lists)

Who opposes Proposition 4?

College of OB/GYN, District IX; California Nurses Association; California Family Physicians, California Family Health Council; Campaign for Teen Safety ? No on 4 ? A Project of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California; NOW; the ACLU; NARAL; Feminist Majority Foundation; Equality California; Let California Ring; Committee for a New Economy. (Partial Lists)