Photo by Ema
Because I’m a responsible voter, a feminist, and a legal nerd, I was looking at California’s ballot initiatives that we’ll be voting on this November. Apparently, (aside from the same-sex marriage ban that’s going to fail, dammit!) there’s going to be another initiative to require parental notification and a waiting period for minors undergoing abortion. The language, according to the California SoS:
PROPOSITION 4: Waiting period and parental notification before termination of minor’s pregnancy (Initiative Constitutional Amendment)
- Changes California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent or legal guardian.
- Permits notification to certain adult relatives if doctor reports parent to law enforcement or Child Protective Services.
- Provides notification exceptions for medical emergency or parental waiver.
- Permits courts to waive notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor’s maturity or best interests.
- Mandates reporting requirements, including reports from physicians regarding abortions on minors.
- Authorizes damages against physicians for violation.
- Requires minor’s consent to abortion, with exceptions.
Summary of Legislative Analyst’s Estimate of Net State and Local Government 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.
South Dakota is facing another abortion ban, which has a better chance of winning this time, because it would allow for the procedure in cases of rape or incest (that wasn’t included last time around). Check out other states with propositions on reproductive rights at NARAL.org
