Dr. Mary Davenport, whose AT article on Michael J. Fox's claims on stem cell research attracted wide attention, today co—authors an op—ed in the San Francisco Chronicle, advocating passage of California's Proposition 85, requiring parental notification for abortions performed on the minor daughters.

This year, more than 100,000 teens will become pregnant in California. This will be a life—changing event for these teens. A teen confronted with an unplanned pregnancy needs the help of her parents to support her, navigate the health—care system and deal with difficulties that can arise. Proposition 85 will rectify the paradoxical situation in which a young girl must have parental consent for a flu shot, but can undergo a secret abortion without her parent's knowledge.

In recent years, teens have died in California from complications of secret abortions that might have been prevented with parental help in securing adequate medical care. It is outrageous that young girl can undergo such a serious procedure as an abortion with mental—health risks such as depression and even suicide, without the involvement of her parents.

It is a worthwhile read.