The Perspective Page 4
Update on the Third Parental Notification Initiative
Planned Parenthood’s Campaign for Teen Safety
AAUW-CA, our state organization, strongly opposes the third Parental Notification initiative, currently
in circulation to qualify for the November 2008 ballot. According to information from Planned
Parenthood, proponents of this initiative have collected over 1 million signatures and have raised
over $2 million, “most of which has come from two wealthy donors –
the same anti-choice donors
that supported the previous parental notification initiatives.”
Details of the proposed Waiting Period and Parental Notification Initiative, as summarized by
Planned Parenthood:
The proposed Waiting Period and Parental Notification Initiative would require a parent be
notified by a doctor and that there be at least a 48 hour waiting period for a minor under 18 to
have an abortion. The 2008 initiative goes further than propositions 73 and 85 and would also
force medical professionals to report the parents of a teenager to Child Protective Services if
the teen chose to tell a family member other than a parent. The teenager would be required to
state in writing that the choice to tell a substitute family member is because there is an
abusive environment. This would then trigger a law enforcement investigation into the home.
This new initiative also mandates reporting requirements, including reports from physicians
regarding abortions on minors and authorizes monetary damages against physicians for
violation. Although the initiative allows for the Court to permit a waiver notice based on clear
and convincing evidence of a minor’s maturity or best interests, the teenager would have to
travel to court and appear before a judge.
This is the third attempt by the supporters of Prop 73 (2005) and Prop 85 (2006) to put our
teenagers’ health at risk by limiting access to safe quality medical care for vulnerable teens.
We need your help again - this issue is too important to lose! Our teens need access
to safe, quality medical care without fear of being criminalized or having their parents
criminalized.
AAUW-CA supports Planned Parenthood’s Campaign for Teen Safety, a campaign to defeat this
initiative. Contributions (not
deductible for tax purposes) may be sent to David Alois at Planned
Parenthood Affiliates of California, 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 510 Sacramento, CA 95814.
Barbara Guggemos, Public Policy Chair
Petaluma Branch Helps to Make State Convention a Success
T
he California AAUW State Convention was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert
Park from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6.
Over 45 women from the Petaluma
Branch volunteered in some capacity -
that's over 25% of our branch! Volunteers
helped in many ways, including Credentials, Hostesses, Tellers, Pages and Registrars.
Twelve members of our Branch registered and attended convention programs. Look for
accounts of their experiences and impressions in the next issue of the Perspective.