2006 California Proposition 85

California Proposition 85, the Parental Notification Initiative, was a proposition on the ballot for California voters in the general election of November 7, 2006. It was similar to the previous year's Proposition 73. It failed by a vote of 46%-54%.

Text from the California Voter Information Guide
Parental Notification before Termination of Teen's Pregnancy (second attempt at Proposition 73)
 * PDF Document File of Official Voter Information Guide: Proposition 85

Summary
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."

Did not pass
 * 3,868,714 (45.8%) voted for it
 * 4,576,128 (54.2%) voted against it

Goals

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

Vote meaning
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.

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.

Background

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

Exceptions to Proposition 85
Medical Emergencies: An abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the mother

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

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

Penalty
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.

Endorsements

 * Sharon Runner
 * Ben Stein
 * Bill O'Reilly
 * Dr. Laura Schlessinger
 * Laura Ingraham
 * Jim Holman, San Diego Reader