Shelby: Parental Involvement Critical to Our Children's Future

SHELBY: PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT CRITICAL TO OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) today announced his support of the Child Custody Protection Act (CCPA), of which he is a co-sponsor. The measure aims to prohibit the transportation of a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion. The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation later today.

"It is a parent's job to protect and care for their children. I believe wholeheartedly that parental involvement is essential before a child undergoes a major medical procedure, particularly when it includes making a decision as life changing as the choice to have an abortion," said Senator Shelby. "This legislation ensures that outside actors do not circumvent the role of parents in making important medical decisions."

CCPA is a result of numerous cases where minors were taken across state lines without the consent of their parents to circumvent a state's law. Many states, including Alabama, require parental notification or consent before a minor can receive an abortion. Parental notification laws ensure that children are provided with the advice of their most important counselor, their parents. The legislation maintains a "judicial bypass" to address situations where a child may not be able to consult her parents, such as cases that involve rape or incest.

http://shelby.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=259470