At first glance, California's Prop.73 seems like the right thing. It requires a physician (or his or her representative) to notify the parent or legal guardian of a pregnant minor at least 48 hours before performing an abortion involving that minor.
More below
Please be kind..my diary is more of an angry rant..and it's only the second one I've attempted.....
While in a perfect world, every scared pregnant teenaged girl would be able to go to her parents for help in this situation, I'd like to be realistic for a minute. The fact is some teens cannot talk to their parents out of shame or the real fear of abuse and/or abandonment. Do you honestly think a girl who cant tell her parents she's sexually active will tell them she's getting an abortion because the law says so? It is scary to think of what lengths these girls would be willing to go to just to get an abortion. I was lucky enough to have an open dialog with my foster daughter. While I was hoping she would not have sex with her boyfriend, I knew that getting her to the doctor for information about STD's and birth control was the best way to avoid her becoming pregnant. Her best friend on the other hand, became pregnant at 15, and ended up having a miscarriage when her mother beat the hell out of her when she found out. She moved in with her boyfriend and his parents at the age of 16 and her parents havent spoken to her since. I know this sounds like an extreme situation, but it happens more often than anyone knows.
Now for the part that bites my ass. This is the Official Title and Summary of Proposition 73
link
WAITING PERIOD AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION BEFORE TERMINATION OF MINOR'S PREGNANCY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Amends California Constitution, prohibiting abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent/legal guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver.
Defines abortion as causing death of the unborn child, a child conceived but not yet born.
Permits minor to obtain court order waiving notice based on clear, convincing evidence of minor's maturity or best interests.
Mandates various reporting requirements.
Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation.
Requires minor's consent to abortion, with certain exceptions.
Permits judicial relief if minor's consent coerced.
Now what the hell does defining abortion as causing death of the unborn child, a child conceived but not yet born have to do with PARENTAL NOTIFICATION? Does this mean that some righteous prosecutor can bring murder charges against those participating in an abortion? And what does this mean for a woman of legal age? Prosecuted for murder?
WAITING PERIOD AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION BEFORE TERMINATION OF MINOR'S PREGNANCY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Background
Prior State Legislation
In 1953, a state law was enacted that allowed minors to receive, without parental consent or notification, the same types of medical care for a pregnancy that are available to an adult. Based on this law and later legal developments related to abortion, minors were able to obtain abortions without parental consent or notification.
In 1987, the Legislature amended this law to require minors to either obtain the consent of a parent or a court before obtaining an abortion. However, due to legal challenges, the law was never implemented, and the California Supreme Court ultimately struck it down in 1997. Consequently, minors in the state currently receive abortion services to the same extent as adults. This includes minors in various state health care programs, such as the Medi-Cal health care program for low-income individuals.
I am damn angry that this hasnt become more of an issue with Prop 73. Parental consent aside, changing the constitution to read that abortion is murder tucked in to this proposition smacks of the religious right.
Now do I believe abortion is wrong? Yes. But I also believe that NO ONE, be it joe shmoe or the government, has a right to tell me what I can or cannot do pertaining to MY body. PERIOD.
One final observation/opinion from yours truly,
When MEN can get pregnant and go thru childbirth, you can bet this would not even be an issue...Thats just my opinion. I had to get it out there.
Thanks