2006 California Proposition 85

Parental Notification before Termination of Teen's Pregnancy (second attempt at Proposition 73)

• PDF Document File of Official Voter Information Guide: Proposition 85

Summary as prepared by the State Attorney General "Amends California constitution prohibiting abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies parent/guardian, except in medical emergency or parental waiver. Mandates reporting requirements. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation. Put on ballot by Petition Signatures."[1]

Did not pass[2]

• 3,868,714 (45.8%) voted for it
• 4,576,128 (54.2%) voted against it

• Increase teen communication with parents[3]
• Allow parents to help child make appropriate health care decisions [3]
• Provide needed health care history to physicians[3]
• Possibly prevent minor from something as traumatic as an abortion[3]
• Provide a strong support system[3]

A "yes" vote to this would mean that the state constitution would require a physician to notify the guardian of a minor prior to performing an abortion.[1]

A "no" vote to this would mean minors would continue to receive abortion services to the same extent as adults. Physicians performing abortions for minors would not be subject to notification requirements.[1]

• 1953 - Law was created that enabled minors to have abortions without parental consent or knowledge[4]
• 1987 - Legislature amended this law to require minors to get parental or guardian consent before having an abortion performed[4]
• 1997 - Voted against the law therefore allowing minors to have an abortion without consent or knowledge by guardian[4]

Medical Emergencies: An abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the mother[4]

Waivers Approved by Guardian: Guardian signs a waiver that gets rid of the notification requirements[4]

Waivers Approved by Court: Waiver given to a minor who asks for it and if the courts finds the minor to be well informed and mature enough to make the decision to have the abortion[4]

Any person who performs an abortion on a minor without consent by parents or guardian would be found guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by fine.[4]

• Legislative Analyst's Office
• California Black Women's Health Project
• League of Women Voters

• Yes on 85
• HealthVote.org: Neutral Information & Analysis about Proposition 85
• Video Voter California - Short, straightforward video explanation of Prop. 85
• Non-partisan resources & vote sharing network for Californians
• Official Voter Information Guide: Proposition 85
• Campaign Expenditure Details for Proposition 85, Parental Notification