Stop the next anti-choice ballot initiative in California
Can you believe this? The same anti-choice zealots who funded Props. 73 and 85 are at it again, backing a different initiative with the same effect: putting our teens in real danger. Petitions for this dangerous ballot initiative are circulating statewide. Tell your friends and family: DON’T SIGN 1249!
The so-called Sexual Abuse Reporting Act (SARA) initiative would mandate any teacher, counselor or doctor who a teen confides in about a pregnancy, miscarriage, sexually transmitted infection or abortion to report the teen to Child Protective Services and the police. This initiative would punish teens who seek help—effectively blocking their access to reproductive healthcare.
California already has strong laws that mandate the reporting of abuse. We need to ensure that teens can access confidential health services without fear or intimidation.
Mandatory Reporting of Pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Minors as Abuse. Constitutional and Statutory Amendment.
Requires that pregnancy of, diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection in, or miscarriage or abortion by, minor under 16 be defined and reported as evidence of criminal child abuse. Requires mandated reporters to state whether they believe sexual abuse occurred and to preserve physical evidence. Prevents courts from changing reporting requirements. Prohibits state payment for medical services unless reporting requirements are met. Criminalizes attempts to prevent reporting. Requires warning sign be posted in specified medical offices.
