Senate passes church-backed Child Custody Protection Act

Published: 2006-07-26

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Senate approved a bill July 25 that would make it a federal crime to transport a minor girl across state lines for an abortion to circumvent the law in her home state requiring parental notification or consent. A week earlier Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, urged senators to approve the bill, called the Child Custody Protection Act. "Many states have wisely chosen to protect parents' rights in this area, and the intent of their protective laws should not be thwarted," the cardinal said. The legislation, adopted by a 65-34 vote, would prohibit someone who is not the parent or guardian from taking a minor girl to another state for an abortion if her home state has a law that says a parent or guardian must be notified or give consent before a minor can obtain an abortion. Most states have such laws, although some have been blocked in court.

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