How I’m voting for the environment in the Nov. 4, 2008 election.

I’m pissed that this proposition’s even on the ballot, because it’s already been voted down TWICE by Californians, in the form of Prop 85 and 73. I phonebanked and everything — and now we have to fight it AGAIN!

Prop 4 would basically force girls under 18 — some of whom come from physically and sexually abusive families — to get permission for an abortion from a family member. Most girls consult with their parents about their reproductive choices already, so this prop would basically hurt only the girls who come from the worst family situations where such open communication isn’t possible!

The revisions in Prop 4 from the previous prop allows a girl to talk to another family member instead of a parent — but only if she can convince a doc that “she fears physical, sexual, or severe emotional abuse” by her parent AND that “her fear’s based on a pattern of such abuse.” Of course, if the girl has no other family members, she’s shit out of luck here.

Another revision allows judges to waive this notice requirement — but only if the girl can convince the judge she’s “sufficiently mature and well-informed” or “that notification would not be in the minor’s best interest.” Basically, this prop would put the fate of a beleagured teenager at the mercy and whim of doctors and judges who barely know the girl or her parents and family members.

Vote no on Prop 4.

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