California’s Fight for Teen Safety
by Laura Lambert
On Tuesday, November 8, Californians will vote on an anti-choice initiative, Proposition 73 (Prop. 73), which threatens the health and safety of California’s teens. The Campaign for Teen Safety is urging the public to vote NO on Prop. 73.
What’s at Stake?
What’s at stake with Prop. 73 is nothing less than the health and safety of teens who, for whatever reason, cannot turn to their parents when faced with an unintended pregnancy. Prop. 73 would amend the California State Constitution to force doctors and providers to notify a parent or guardian before providing abortion services for a minor. In addition, Prop. 73 requires a waiting period of 48 hours after notification is given.
“Her safety is more important than my desire to be informed.”
Studies have shown that the majority of teens age 16 to 17 do involve their parents when making decisions about abortion. For younger teens, the rate is even higher — up to 90 percent. Indeed, in most cases, family members — parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts — are the first safety net for any teen in need. And certainly teens are urged by counselors to involve their parents from the start.
“As a parent, I would want my daughter to come to me if she were faced with an unplanned pregnancy,” said Kathy Kneer, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC). “But if she couldn’t come to me, I would want her to be safe. Her safety is more important than my desire to be informed.”
Prop. 73 would erect a barrier for teens who simply can’t talk to their parents. Maybe they would face family violence or be kicked out of their home if they were to disclose their pregnancy. Maybe they are afraid of disappointing their parents; maybe a family member is responsible for the pregnancy. Studies have shown that parental involvement laws delay teens’ access to vital health care.
Less talked-about provisions of Prop. 73 would, in effect, create a public “scorecard” for judges who rule on abortion cases for minors. Doctors would also have to file reports to the state regarding the number and types of abortions performed. However, the proponents of the initiative say that these medical records would be kept confidential.
Another troubling aspect of Prop. 73 is that it would add to the California State Constitution a definition of “an unborn child, a child conceived but not yet born.” According to the USC California Policy Institute, that language “has created an unintended potential barrier to embryonic stem cell research” in the state of Pennsylvania.
Get Out the Vote
Recent polls suggest that the outcome of the vote on the initiative is still too close to call. Every vote will count on Tuesday, November 8.
The Campaign for Teen Safety is is working tirelessly to make sure the pro-choice majority is heard. Here’s how you can help:
Educate yourself about the issue.
Volunteer to Get Out the Vote tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8.
Contribute to the Campaign for Teen Pregnancy and stand up for the health and safety of teens.
Vote NO on Prop. 73 on Tuesday, November 8, 2005, if you are a California resident.
Laura Lambert is a writer and editor in the PPFA Editorial Services Department.
For more info: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/…
