Americans United for Life Assesses State Ballot Initiative Outcomes, Predicts Regrouping and Strong Comeback in Next Election Cycle for L...( CHICAGO Nov. 5 -- Americans Unit...),Health

CHICAGO, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans United for Life (AUL) today released analysis of the results of yesterday's life-related ballot initiatives. The election saw pro-life ballot initiatives on abortion defeated in California, Colorado, and South Dakota while initiatives legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Washington state and destructive embryonic stem cell research in Michigan were approved.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President & CEO of AUL said: "We applaud the work of those who strove to protect human life through state ballot initiatives this year. We will continue working at both the state and federal levels in the days ahead to advance the culture of life. These results do not square with an American electorate that is increasingly pro-life. The life movement will reassess and regroup for the next election cycle with new ways to communicate that even the weakest amongst us should be welcomed in life and defended in law."

California: Defeat of Proposition 4 (Parental Notice)

For the third time in six years, California voters failed to pass Proposition 4, or "Sarah's Law," an amendment to the California Constitution that would have protected parental rights and the safety of minors by ensuring that parents are notified of their minor daughter's abortion at least 48 hours prior to the abortion.

"The defeat of Proposition 4 is a loss for California parents and children who remain vulnerable to sexual abuse, coerced abortions, and inadequate care at abortion facilities," said Denise Burke, AUL Vice President of Legal Affairs. "Proposition 4 would have put California in line with the rest of the nation, as the vast majority of the states have enacted parental involvement laws."

Washington: Approval of Initiative 1000 (Physician-Assisted Suicide)

In Washington state I-1000 was approved by voters, making Washington the second state -- after Oregon -- to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The newly enac
'/>"/>