Proposition 73, or the Parental Notification Act, would require abortionists to notify a minor (under 18) patient’s parent(s) of her scheduled abortion 48 hours before the appointment. This will ensure that the girl’s parents are informed of their daughter’s condition and intentions, and are able to offer support and counsel. Provisions within the law allow for a Supreme Court-required judicial bypass in cases of abuse or incest and for an exemption for medical emergencies.
View the full text of Proposition 73
KEY POINTS
- A minor cannot be issued an aspirin at school without parental consent.
- Minors cannot go on field trips without parental notification and consent.
- Minors cannot be sentenced to death because they have poor or under-developed judgment, but they can unilaterally decide to have an abortion.
- Parents will be held responsible for any costs or complications stemming from their minor daughter's abortion.
- Public opinion polls show a majority of Americans agree that parents should be informed about their minor's abortion.
- Parental support is necessary to deal with the aftermath of an abortion.
- Minors cannot drink, get tattoos, pierce their bodies, smoke, or serve in the military without parental consent.
- Parental involvement provides children with vital information that would help avert medical risks and complications.
- Parental involvement would increase the likelihood that proper follow-up is provided.
- Minors who are victims of rape will continue to be victimized without parental involvement.
- Provisions within the law can bypass parental notification and go straight to the courts in cases of incest.
- The United States Supreme Court has upheld parental involvement laws with judicial bypass provisions.
- A minor’s ability to conceive a child does not mean she is able to make a mature decision about an abortion.
- If the majority of minor females suffering from teen pregnancy shared these matters with their parents, then no one would take issue with parental notification laws.
- Parental notification could facilitate improved family communication and decision-making.
- Parental involvement will help bring crimes such as statutory rape to the attention of law enforcement officials.
- Minor females are encouraged to have abortions by boyfriends who could be prosecuted for statutory rape.
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