Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION ACT -- (House of Representatives - September 26, 2006)

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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, first, this bill does nothing to prevent unwanted pregnancies and does nothing to stop a minor from crossing State lines to get an abortion on her own. Rather, it creates criminal penalties for those trusted confidants whom the woman turns to when she find herself in a difficult situation.

In an ideal world, young women should turn to their parents for advice, guidance, and comfort. But in the real world, this is not always the case. And in some scenarios, parental involvement is not even in the best interest of the girl.

This bill would impose criminal penalties on anyone who assists a young woman to cross a State line in order to obtain an abortion, whether it is a grandparent, an aunt, older sibling, or trusted friend. In addition, because of the way the law is written, it would even impose criminal penalties on a cab driver who drops off a young woman at an abortion clinic if that clinic happens to be across the State line.

Further, there are unrealistic and unworkable mandates involving the notice provisions in the bill which also potentially violate principles of confidentiality. And so this bill threatens to increase the risk of harm to young women in difficult family situations by delaying access to appropriate medical care, and that is why the bill is opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Medicine, the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, and the American Public Health Association.

Mr. Speaker, finally, the bill raises numerous constitutional questions. The Supreme Court has made clear that any valid abortion law must have an adequate medical emergency exception. The Court has also ruled that access to medical care in emergencies must also be maintained. The provisions contained in the bill have limited access in situations, and so the bill is clearly inconsistent with established constitutional law.

Mr. Speaker, this bill sets a dangerous precedent. It does not prevent unwanted pregnancies or abortions. Rather, it encourages young girls to make difficult decisions on their own without help, increasing the potential harm to their physical and emotional well-being. That is why it is not supported by medical organizations with expertise in this field. Furthermore, it raises serious constitutional questions. I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill.

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