Opponents of Prop 73 say the parental notification measure could hinder stem cell research programs in California. Opponents point to language in the initiative, defining abortion as a procedure that causes the death of an unborn child. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
Prop 73 is a constitutional amendment that would require doctors to notify parents before a minor had an abortion. Critics believe the measure's definition of abortion could create a barrier to scientific research.
Dr. Evan Snyder directs the stem cell research program at La Jolla's Burnham Institute.
Snyder: "Our own personal program would probably not be able to use the human embryonic stem cell lines that we're using, and not to use them to try to derive therapies and cures, and even to understand how diseases unfold."
Supporters of Prop 73 say it defines abortion as the death of an unborn child, so it's clear under which circumstances parents must be notified. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
