In California, minors need written consent from parents or guardians to go on field trips, use tanning beds, take swimming lessons or have cavities filled. However, females under 18 can undergo surgical abortions without notifying their parents or guardians. Proposition 85 will rectify this.
Vote yes on Proposition 85. It will amend the California Constitution, requiring that parents or guardians be notified (with certain exceptions) that an abortion will be performed on a minor. Abortion laws in California will remain unchanged. Proposition 85 only involves the laws dealing with minors who seek abortions.
Making a decision on Proposition 85 is very simple. It concerns three things – notification, exceptions to notification and accountability of physicians.
Proposition 85 will ensure that a young girl’s health and best interests remain intact. The proposition is fair and includes notification exemptions. Notification requirements will not apply to medical emergencies in which abortion is necessary to prevent a minor’s death or in instances that would otherwise result in irreversible injury.
Another exemption will include waivers from parents or guardians. They can authorize a minor to obtain an abortion, thus relieving physicians and institutions from providing notice. Parents or guardians may grant such waivers for 30 days, until a specified date or until the minor’s 18th birthday.
A third exception involves a minor asking a juvenile court to waive notification requirements. A court will do so if it finds that a minor is well-informed about the decision to have an abortion. Additionally, if a court finds that notification is not in a minor’s best interest, an exception will be made.
Minors will not be responsible for court fees under Proposition 85, and legal assistance will be afforded at no cost. In the event that a waiver request is denied, a minor may appeal the decision to an appellate court. Regardless of hearing results, the minor’s identity will be kept confidential. Because of time sensitivity, initial court rulings must be issued within three business days, and appellate decisions must be made within four business days.
Also, if a court finds evidence of physical, sexual or emotional abuse (including coercion to have an abortion), the court must refer the evidence to its county’s child protection agency.
Opponents to Proposition 85 would have you believe that it is nothing more than a ploy to begin chipping away at a woman’s right to choose and eventually overturn Roe v. Wade. That is nothing other than a classic scare tactic – a slippery slope based on a false notion.
Informed parents and guardians can aid young females in getting the best healthcare available and ensure that proper aftercare is maintained. Opponents ignore the love, support and safety that adults can provide before it is too late. Protect our young women and children. Vote yes on Proposition 85.
Mike Pascale Jr. is a senior political science major, a weekly columnist and copy editor for the Daily Forty-Niner.
