Politics: Yes on Prop 4

Prop 4 is an initiative constitutional amendment regarding parental notification for abortions for minors.

The SF Chronicle is against it.

More than a decade ago, the California Supreme Court clearly affirmed that a young woman's right to an abortion was protected by the state constitution's strong privacy rights. Proposition 4 represents yet another attempt to undermine that right. The practical effect of this measure would be to put many young women at risk by delaying abortion procedures, and thus making them more medically complicated.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has come out in favor of prop 4.

If a patient alleges a clear pattern of parental abuse, a physician may notify not her parents but any of several adult family members that she wants an abortion and alleges parental abuse.

The abuse must also be reported to Child Protective Services. Vociferous critics of notification retort that a CPS investigation would alert parents to the abuse allegation, and prompt more abuse.

Under what other circumstances would these critics contend that the suspected abuse of a child by her parents should not be reported to authorities? Particularly to authorities who are trained not to worsen a child's situation and can, if necessary, move the child to a safer place?

The main stated objection to parental notification laws pertaining to abortion for minors is that there are circumstances where that could be detrimental to the minor. This is a legitimate concern and this proposition addresses that by providing alternatives to parental notification.

The unstated objection to parental notification is that some opponents believe abortion should be accessible at all times in all circumstances and any restriction is unacceptable.

I recommend a Yes vote on Prop 4.