2006 California Proposition 85
California Proposition 85, the Parental Notification Initiative, was a proposition on the ballot for California voters in the general election of November 7, 2006. It was similar to the previous year's Proposition 73. It failed by a vote of 46%-54%.
Text from the California Voter Information Guide
Parental Notification before Termination of Teen's Pregnancy*
Summary
Summary as prepared by the State Attorney General"Amends California constitution prohibiting abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies parent/guardian, except in medical emergency or parental waiver. Mandates reporting requirements. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation. Put on ballot by Petition Signatures."
Did not pass
- 3,868,714 voted for it
- 4,576,128 voted against it
Goals
- Increase teen communication with parents
- Allow parents to help child make appropriate health care decisions
- Provide needed health care history to physicians
- Possibly prevent minor from something as traumatic as an abortion
- Provide a strong support system
Vote meaning
A "yes" vote to this would mean that the state constitution would require a physician to notify the guardian of a minor prior to performing an abortion.A "no" vote to this would mean minors would continue to receive abortion services to the same extent as adults. Physicians performing abortions for minors would not be subject to notification requirements.
Background
- 1953 - Law was created that enabled minors to have abortions without parental consent or knowledge
- 1987 - Legislature amended this law to require minors to get parental or guardian consent before having an abortion performed
- 1997 - Voted against the law therefore allowing minors to have an abortion without consent or knowledge by guardian
Exceptions to Proposition 85
Medical Emergencies:An abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the mother
Waivers Approved by Guardian:
Guardian signs a waiver that gets rid of the notification requirements
Waivers Approved by Court:
Waiver given to a minor who asks for it and if the courts finds the minor to be well informed and mature enough to make the decision to have the abortion