Since some adults take advantage of minors and flout state laws intended to protect children, it is essential that Congress pass and the President sign the Child Custody Protection Act. This Act would prohibit transporting a minor across state lines to evade state Parental Notification Laws. Many states have passed laws determining when an abortion can be performed upon a minor. These laws attempt to protect the parent-child relationship, as well as protect children who may not know their medical history as well as their parents do.
Abortion is a procedure that can have life-long consequences.
Yet some unscrupulous adults are circumventing these laws by taking pregnant minors to states without Parental Notification Laws. Many young girls suffer severe medical and emotional problems after an abortion. Infection, sterility, and even death can result from abortions. Those who oppose the Child Custody Protection Act should explain who is responsible for paying the medical and psychological bills that may follow a minor's abortion. Planned Parenthood, school counselors, statutory rapists or others who circumvent Parental Notification Laws must be ready to shoulder the consequences of their actions.