Supporters, Opponents Of Oregon Parental Notification Initiative Accuse Each Other Of Misleading Voters

Supporters and opponents of an Oregon ballot initiative that would require physicians to notify a parent or guardian at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on a minor between ages 15 and 17 on Wednesday accused one another of misleading voters, the Oregonian reports (Cole, Oregonian, 11/2). Minors would be exempt from the measure -- called Measure 43 and sponsored by Oregon Right to Life -- if their life or health is at risk. Physicians who refuse to comply with the notification requirement would face civil penalties. The measure also would allow for judicial bypass in cases of potential abuse (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 10/12). According to the Oregonian, the No on 43 campaign has begun airing television advertisements that show a fictional father becoming upset after receiving a certified letter notifying him that his daughter is pregnant. In addition, the ad says the initiative does not allow exceptions to the notification requirement for minors who survived rape or incest, "puts at-risk teens in greater danger" and is "not safe." Sarah Nashif, campaign manager for the Committee To Protect Our Teen Daughters, said the ad "scares people," adding, "They fail to mention the judicial bypass, and that is false advertising." Physicians, nurses and other opponents of the measure at a No on 43 news conference on Wednesday said that judicial bypass is not a good option for teenagers who have been raped or abused. Some teenagers might have been in foster care or homeless and not trust the legal system, John Duke, health services director for the social service agency Outside In, said, adding, "They may avoid that situation, ... [a]nd they may not get the care they need." Some opponents also said an ad from supporters of the measure that features a former Portland, Ore., police detective is wrong in portraying a "simple judicial bypass" that provides victims of incest and rape with a "safe way to expose the abuse." According to the Oregonian, both opponents and supporters of the measure said they think the vote will be close (Oregonian, 11/2).

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