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CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 18,
2002)
[Page: E584] GPO's PDF
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SPEECH OF
HON. PHILIP M. CRANE
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
- Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 476, the Child
Custody Protection Act.
- This legislation makes it a federal crime to knowingly transport a minor
across state lines with the intent that she obtain an abortion , in violation of the minor's
home state parental consent or notification law. Under the
measure, violations of this law would be punishable by a fine of up to
$100,000 and one year in prison. Any parent or guardian who suffers legal harm
from the violation of a parental
notification law is allowed to seek civil action for damages.
- The bill includes an exception from prosecution, however, if the abortion is necessary to save the life
of the minor. The bill also protects the minor from prosecution under its
provisions. The measure allows individuals accused of violating this provision
to defend themselves against civil and criminal actions by claiming that they
believed the parents had been notified or had given their consent , as required by state law.
- By way of background, it is important to note that in many states it is
illegal for a school nurse to dispense so much as an aspirin to a minor
without parental consent . However, absent this
legislation, minors can be brought across state lines without parental consent for the express purpose of
obtaining an abortion .
Over-the-counter aspirin requires parental notification, but abortion does not? Mr. Speaker, how
can this be?
- In 1999, the House passed identical legislation by a vote of 270 to 159;
unfortunately, the measure was never considered by the other body, thus
necessitating its reintroduction in the 107th Congress. I commend Chairman
Sensenbrenner, Chairman Chabot, and Congresswoman
Ros-Lehtinen for their work in crafting this urgent legislation, and
I truly hope that my colleagues will Join me in voting for this legislation
today. As such, I urge an ``aye'' vote on final passage.