Media Center: Press Release

Physicians Take Action as California Special Election Threatens Young Women’s Health and Rights
06/14/2005

“This initiative puts politics ahead of medicine, and we won’t let that happen,” says Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, launching grassroots campaign to expose the dangers of mandatory parental notification regulations

San Francisco, CA—Following California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to hold a special election on November 8 on a range of ballot initiatives, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health today announced that it is launching a statewide education campaign to defeat an initiative that would require a mandatory delay and parental notification for young women seeking abortions.

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, a national organization with an office in San Francisco and hundreds of physician members throughout California, said the initiative would undermine the doctor/patient relationship and jeopardize young women's health.

"These laws often lead young women to delay seeking healthcare, or to pursue unsafe procedures, which can put their health at risk. As physicians, our job is to give our patients the best healthcare possible and minimize risks, not increase them. This initiative puts politics ahead of medicine, and we won’t let that happen," said Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health California-based member Vicky Borgia, MD.

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health said that in the weeks ahead, it will mobilize physicians throughout California to share their unique perspective and serious concerns with their communities, so voters understand all of the initiative’s implications and can vote responsibly on November 8. The organization will host a series of community meetings across the state in September and October where physicians, parents and others can share their experiences and answer questions. At medical conferences and meetings during the summer and fall, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health will mobilize healthcare workers, scientists and others to oppose the initiative, as well.

In opposing the California initiative, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health cites evidence showing that mandatory parental notification laws do not increase communication among family members and often put young women in jeopardy.

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