Support For California Parental Notification Measure Shows Slight Edge In Latest Poll

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 27 Oct 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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A recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows a slight lead in support for Proposition 4 -- a November ballot measure that would require health care providers to notify a minor's parent or legal guardian at least 48 hours before providing abortion services to the minor -- the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The poll found that 46% of surveyed voters said they support Prop. 4, and 44% said they oppose it and 10% of voters still are undecided. If voters approve the measure Nov. 4, it would "mark a reversal of fortune for proponents of the measure," which voters have rejected by slim margins twice in recent years, the Chronicle reports (Fernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 10/23). Revisions to Prop. 4 from the past propositions include allowing an adult family member -- including a grandparent or sibling -- to be notified instead of a parent if the minor reports abuse to law enforcement. Judges also can waive the notification requirement in cases where they find evidence that the minor's maturity is substantial, or if an abortion is in the minor's best interest, such as a medical emergency. Parents also could waive the notification and waiting period through a written note (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 9/25). Among Republicans surveyed in the new poll, 61% support the measure, 28% oppose it and 11% are undecided. Among Democrats, 54% oppose the measure and 35% support it.

Mark Baldassare, president and CEO of PPIC, said, "Voters are very closely divided on this issue. There's been very little movement on it in the last few months." Baldassare said that even though California residents are "overwhelmingly pro-choice, they have been closely divided and deeply split along party lines regarding parental notification" (San Francisco Chronicle, 10/23).

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