Oregonian examines debate over State initiative that would require parental notification for teenagers ages 15 to 17 seeking an abortion

Oct 16 2006

The Oregonian has examined the debate over an Oregon initiative, which has qualified to be placed on the statewide ballot in November, 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 (Cole, Oregonian, 10/10).

Under the proposed notification initiative, called Measure 43, which is sponsored by Oregon Right to Life, minors would be exempt from the measure if their life or health is at risk, and physicians who refuse to comply with the notification requirement would face civil penalties.

The initiative also would allow for judicial bypass in cases of potential abuse (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 7/27).

Some studies and proponents of parental notification guidelines suggest that a teenage girl might be more reluctant to have sex if she is required to inform a parent or guardian if she becomes pregnant and seeks an abortion.

However, some opponents of parental notification laws "call that idea ridiculous," according to the Oregonian.

"Teens aren't aware of abortion laws in their states, regardless of whether they're sexually active or not," Rachel Jones, a senior researcher for the Guttmacher Institute, said, adding, "It's when they go to seek an abortion that many of them find out what the laws are in their state."

Michael New, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, said, "I think [parental notification] laws may be effective for young minors.

It might be easier for a 17-year-old to cross state lines but more difficult for a (younger teen) to do the same thing."

According to the Oregonian, "One thing academic researchers, proponents and opponents [of parental notification laws] seem to agree upon" is that abortion rates drop as much as 20% among underage teenagers in states with parental notification or consent laws, but there is "no consensus ... on whether those rates fall because girls get illegal abortions or cross the border to seek abortions in neighboring states" (Oregonian, 10/10).