Abortion Least - Known Measure in California Ballot

By REUTERS

Filed at 9:30 a.m. ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California, seen as one of the most sexually liberated U.S. states, could limit teenagers' access to abortion next week in the least known but most divisive ballot measure in a lackluster special election.

Proposition 73 asks voters to decide whether doctors should be required by law to notify parents or guardians of girls under 18, 48 hours before they can legally perform abortions or administer the so-called morning-after pill RU-486.

Proponents of the November 8 ballot measure -- a coalition of anti-abortion groups, family organizations and the Catholic and some Protestant churches -- say it is about parental rights and the protection of children.