There are less than two weeks left for voters in California to vote on the controversial measure that will mandate parents to be notified before a minor has an abortion.
Opponents of Proposition 73 such as the Parent's Right to Know and Child Protection Initiative has begun airing commercials Thursday on public television in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
The commercials, supported by organizations such as Planned Parenthood and Campaign for Teen Safety, claims that young women may seek alternative ways for an abortion because of their family situation or may even avoid seeing their doctors about their pregnancy.
Manager of Campaign for Teen Safety Steve Smith commented, "In the real world, some teens -- those in abusive homes or where incest may have caused the pregnancy -- cannot safely notify their parents."
The 30-second ad states that girls would resort to "desperate measures" instead of seeking "medical care and counseling" if Prop. 73 passes.
Prop. 73 will amend the California Constitution by prohibiting minors from having an abortion without notification from the doctor or physician to the parents within 48 hours of the procedure, which would give the parents an opportunity to discuss abortion with their daughter. However, the parental approval is not required for the procedure.
Rev. Thomas Wang, founder of Great Commission Center International, said on a recent interview by Gospel Post that parents have the responsibility to love their families and to teach their daughters.
He added that when daughters are making decisions that don't have "second chances," parents should be there to counsel them.
Going through with an abortion is a problem because it can psychologically affect "her spirit and conscience... something that will remain in her life," he said.
YES on 73 is making its argument stating on its website, "In California, a daughter under 18 can't get an aspirin from the school nurse, get a flu shot, or have a tooth pulled without the parent knowing. However, surgical or chemical abortions can be secretly performed on minor girls -- even 13 years old or younger without parent's knowledge."
According to a poll conducted by Survey USA, 60 percent of California voters back Prop. 73, while 38 percent oppose it, with two percent undecided.
The special election on the ballot will be held on Nov. 8.
