Close Vote Expected on Parental Notification Measure
Proposition 85 -- the parental notification measure on the November ballot that is "nearly identical" to Proposition 73, a measure that voters rejected on last year's ballot -- "is expected to produce another close vote," the AP/Modesto Bee reports (Hindery, AP/Modesto Bee, 10/9). The measure would require parents to be notified 48 hours before an abortion is performed on a minor.
Supporters of the measure say it will reduce "secret abortions" and deter Internet predators because abortions on minors would be reported and their crimes would be exposed, according to the Contra Costa Times.
Albin Rhomberg, spokesperson for the campaign in favor of Proposition 85, said the measure also would "restor[e] the right that has long existed for parents to know" if their child is having an abortion.
However, opponents of the measure say it would not deter sexual predators or reduce teenage pregnancy and could place in danger children who have been raped or are victims of incest.
Proponents of the measure believe Californians are more likely to approve the measure this year after some changes were made to Proposition 73 (Myers, Contra Costa Times, 10/8). The "key difference" is the definition of abortion. This year's measure defines it as "the use of any means to terminate the pregnancy," compared with last year's measure that defined abortion as "the death of an unborn child" (Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle, 10/9).
The Contra Costa Times "remain[s] opposed" to Proposition 85, "primarily because of concern for young women who lack what would be considered a normal and loving familial home life," according to an editorial. The editorial states, "You cannot legislate communication" and recommends a "no" vote on the measure (Contra Costa Times, 10/8).
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