Cubin Votes to Uphold Parental Rights During Abortion Decisions

Cubin Votes to Uphold Parental Rights During Abortion Decisions
April 27, 2005

Bill Protects Minors From Being Carried Across State Lines to Have an Abortion

Washington - U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) voted today to make it a federal crime to knowingly transport a minor across state lines to circumvent a state's abortion parental notification laws.

Cubin's vote came as the U.S. House approved the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act by a vote of 270 to 157.

"State laws requiring a parent's right of consent and notification must be respected, not evaded," said Cubin. "Our daughters require parental notification to play a school sport or take a field trip or get their ears pierced. It's outrageous to believe that parental involvement in a child's abortion decision is unnecessary."

The bill approved by the House today also requires that, in states without parent notification laws, abortion providers must provide at least one parent with 24 hours' notice of the minor's decision before carrying out the abortion if it is in a state other than the minor's place of residence. Exceptions were included in the legislation for cases of abuse or medical emergencies and when a minor receives authorization from a judge in her home state.

"The right of parents to guide the care of their children is one of our most fundamental liberties," said Cubin. "Parents must be involved in decisions that can seriously affect their children. Unfortunately, this bill can't prevent minors from having abortions - but it can ensure that parents will have the chance to help their children through difficult times."

The legislation approved today now moves to the Senate for consideration.

http://www.house.gov/cubin/news/2005/April27e.html