Backers of initiative to restrict abortions for minors may gather signatures

The California Secretary of State’s office announced Friday that backers of a new ballot initiative that would restrict the ability of minors to get abortions may start gathering signatures.  

The proposed initiative would require California doctors to first notify, in writing, the parents of a minor seeking an abortion. It would then require her to wait 48 hours before undergoing the procedure.

The state Attorney General’s summary of the initiative says it also permits a judge to waive the parental notice if the girl appears in court and proves she is mature enough to make the decision, or that a waiver is in her best interest.

If adopted, the initiative would also provide exceptions, including for medical emergency or for parental abuse. The state Legislative Analyst office says if the initiative becomes law, reporting requirements would the cost the state at least $1 million a year, and possibly several million.

Backers of the initiative have until May 27th to collect the required  807,000-plus signatures of registered voters that are required to get it on the November 2014 ballot.

Three similar measures were defeated in 2005, 2006 and 2008.