Prop 4 Proponents Backtrack on Abortion Issue

Looks like proponents of Proposition 4, which would require doctors to notify the parents of minors seeking abortions, are hoping that people don't remember what's been said about this initiative so far. In an op-ed published in today's Los Angeles Times, Yes on 4 Communications Director Margaret Pearson tries to convince voters that Prop 4 isn't an anti-abortion initiative.

Unfortunately, it's too late for that kind of posturing. As LAist has reported from the get-go, the reasons behind this initiative were made clear all the way back in April, thanks to Katie Short, co-author of the bill and spokeswoman not just for this measure but for the two parental notification initiatives that California has already voted down.

The harsh anti-abortion language that proponents used in Proposition 73, their first attempt to pass a parental notification law back in 2005 has since been glossed over, in an attempt to win more votes. But the fact remains that this initiative is put forth -- and quite blatantly -- by people whose main objective is to outlaw abortion, not protect the health of teens. I'm going to guess that's why Proposition 4 is opposed by (to name a few) the American Academy of Pediatrics, the California Nurses Association, and the American College of OB/GYN's - people who, you know, provide health care.

Photo by merfam via Flickr