California voters may face two parental notification ballot measures

Published: 2005-02-17

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- In California, one initiative aimed at giving parents the right to be notified when their minor child seeks an abortion appears well on its way to being on the state ballot next year. A second, similar initiative has qualified to be circulated among voters, but the process of getting signatures to put it on the ballot has not yet begun. Currently, minors in California may undergo abortions without the knowledge or consent of their parents. A 1987 law required a minor to get parental consent or a court's permission before procuring an abortion, but it was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 1997 as a violation of the state constitution's right to privacy provision. Both initiatives propose a modification to current law that would require notice of a minor girl's planned abortion be given to her parents or guardians.

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