Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 28, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2005

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 748) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent the transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws relating to abortion, and for other purposes:

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R 748, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. I would like to thank Congresswoman ROS-LEHTINEN for her leadership on this crucial issue. I am an original co-sponsor of this legislation and applaud the effort of those who brought this measure to the floor.

Today we have an opportunity to protect families, protect children, and protect the unborn. Let us make sure parents are given a chance to help their daughters during their most vulnerable times. Parents of minor children must be consulted if their child wants to get their ears pierced. The same standard should be applied when it comes to making life altering decisions. My home State of Texas has enacted a law guaranteeing the rights of parents in making important medical decisions for their children. Several states bordering Texas have no such statutes and many try to circumvent Texas law by driving across state lines, often against the will of the child. This bill will ensure that if a family is ever faced with having to make such a life altering decision it will be made by the family, and with the child's best interests at heart.
With passage of this legislation, Congress has an opportunity to stand with families during a difficult time. We also have a chance to protect the least among us, the unborn.

Let us be judged on how we answer this call. Let us pass this pro-family, pro-child, and pro-life legislation.

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