The California special election

The Nov. 8 special election ballot contains eight statewide initiatives. Here are four; the rest will appear Friday.

Proposition 73

Abortion for minors

What it would do

Amend the California Constitution to bar abortions for patients younger than 18 until 48 hours after her physician notifies a parent or legal guardian. Defines abortion as causing "the death of an unborn child, a child conceived but not yet born."

Chief proponents

California Catholic Conference of Bishops; Traditional Values Coalition; California Pro-Life Council; Mexican American Political Assn.; Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Major donors backing the measure

James E. Holman, publisher of the weekly San Diego Reader and four lay Catholic papers; vintner and former Republican state legislator Don Sebastiani; Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan of Michigan; Paul Griffin, CEO, Griffin Industries, and wife Marsha, of Westlake Village.

Chief opponents

California Medical Assn.; Planned Parenthood; League of Women Voters of California; California National Organization for Women; California Nurses Assn.; American Academy of Pediatrics, California District IX.

Major donors fighting the measure

Planned Parenthood; American Civil Liberties Union; former Republican state Sen. Rebecca Morgan; Women's Political Committee; NARAL, Pro-Choice California Foundation; California Family Health Council Inc.; Andrew Grove, former chairman, Intel Corp., and wife Eva, of Palo Alto.

Main arguments in favor

Parents have a right to know if their minor daughters are seeking abortions. Without secret access to abortion, teenagers will avoid "reckless behavior" that can lead to pregnancy.

Main arguments against

Laws cannot compel healthy family communication. Teenagers afraid to tell their parents, or confused about how to obtain a judicial waiver, will face health risks from self-induced or later-term abortions or visits to unsafe providers.

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Proposition 74

Teacher employment

What it would do

Extend probationary periods for new teachers from two years to five. Would simplify the dismissal process, allowing school districts to fire a permanent teacher without advance notice after two consecutive unsatisfactory evaluations.

Chief proponents

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger; George Schulz, chairman of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors; Peter G. Mehas, superintendent of the Fresno County Office of Education