JESSICA REIMER
Staff Writer
As political figures battle their stances on numerous issues presented on the special election ballot, Pepperdine students stand divided on the issues as well.
Among these issues is Prop. 73, which would require 48-hour notification to a parent or legal guardian prior to an abortion for all dependent girls 17 and younger.
Thirty-five states have laws that require either consent or notification. Though this law has been proposed four times in California, this is the first time it appears on the ballot.
There are several exceptions to the waiting period, including medical emergencies and parental waivers. Minors may also present their case to a judge based on maturity and their best interests.
Prop. 73 will cost the state several million annually.
The proposition would also require each juvenile court to submit written reports and statistics to the government. It also mandates reports be made by physicians indicating an abortion performed on a minor to the state’s Department of Health Services.
The proposition has acquired a controversial reputation on this fall’s ballot. It is also the quietest, with less than $2.5 million spent on both campaigns. Republicans overwhelmingly support Prop. 73, while Democrats overwhelmingly oppose the measure. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he supports Prop. 73 in principle, but would not officially endorse it.
Pepperdine students are divided upon the issue. Demographics such as gender or political stance may not directly influence many students’ opinions. For instance, sophomore Justin David, a moderate individual, feels very strongly in favor of Prop. 73.
“I voted absentee last week, and voted yes of course,” he said. “I have a strong stance against abortion, but if we are going to allow it we must regulate our youth so that they do not make hasty, drastic decisions without consulting their parents or other adults.”
On the other hand, sophomore Ashley Steele, a Republican, is strongly against Prop. 73.
“I believe that if the minor is mature enough to engage in intercourse, she is mature enough to make a conscience decision without her parents,” Steele said.
From a female Democratic perspective, sophomore Allison Mericle agreed with Steele.
“Proposition 73 backs scared young women into a corner, forcing them to choose between telling their parents, trying to figure out California’s legal system or finding other alternatives that don’t involve a doctor’s office. What scared teenager is going to go to a judge if they can’t even talk to their family?”
The consequences do not only affect minors and their abortion rights, said Mericle.
“It undermines women’s right to choose, and not just teenagers’, but all women in California,” said Mericle.
Democrats like Mericle fear restrictions placed upon abortion and the regulation of family communication.
Republican Christie Nolet takes the opposing view.
“Until the age of 18, a parent is still completely responsible for their son or daughter,” Nolet said. “It is my hope that by opening this path of communication, the daughter may be encouraged to consider an alternative such as adoption,” she added.
Finally, senior Ryan Purol, a moderate Republican, also supports Prop. 73.
“A minor in this country is not given the right to smoke, drink or vote, even with their parent’s permission,” Purol said. “All of these result in consequences on their body, for which they are not deemed informed or experienced enough to make on their own.” Purol’s opinion adds up with the restrictions already placed upon a minor.
“I cannot imagine how at least having a parent’s input 48 hours prior to making the arrangements for an abortion is inconsistent with the laws already established for minors,” Purol said.
Prop. 73 will face its decision on next week’s ballot. According to Field Polls released Wednesday, the measure is losing 49 percent to 41 among likely voters.
11-03-2005