2008 General Election Ballot Measures: Abortion

Summary: Changes the California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent or legal guardian; permits notification to certain adult relatives if doctor reports parent to law enforcement or Child Protective Services; provides notification exceptions for medical emergency or parental waiver; permits courts to waive notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor’s maturity or best interests; mandates reporting requirements, including reports from physicians regarding abortions on minors; authorizes damages against physicians for violation; and requires minor’s consent to abortion, with exceptions.

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Summary: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution defining the term “person” to include any human being from the moment of fertilization as “person” is used in those provisions of the Colorado constitution relating to inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law?

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Summary: Currently a woman may obtain an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.  Beyond 24 weeks, abortions may be performed only if necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman. Measure 11 would prohibit all abortions performed by medical procedures or substances administered to terminate a pregnancy, except for:  abortions medically necessary to prevent death or the serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily organ or system of the woman; and abortions to terminate a pregnancy of less than 20 weeks resulting from rape or incest reported to law enforcement. 

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