Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

Key Points

• The bill would make it a federal crime—punishable by up to one year in prison and fines—to knowingly transport a minor across state lines for an abortion in order to bypass parental consent or notification laws in the minor's home state.
• Doctors who perform abortions on out-of-state minors would be required to give at least 24 hours' notice to a parent before performing the procedure. If they can't reach the parent directly, they must send constructive notice by certified mail.
• The minor herself and her parents cannot be prosecuted or sued under this law. The criminal penalties target third parties—such as other relatives, friends, or organizations—who help a minor travel across state lines to get an abortion without parental involvement.
• There are exceptions when the minor's life is in danger due to a physical condition, including one caused by the pregnancy itself. In abuse cases, the minor can sign a written statement declaring she is a victim, and the doctor must report the abuse to authorities before proceeding.
• Parents whose rights were violated could sue for damages in civil court, but a parent who committed incest with the minor is barred from filing a lawsuit. Anyone who committed incest with a minor and then transported them for an abortion faces separate federal penalties.
• If enacted, the law would take effect 45 days after the date it is signed. It also includes a severability clause, meaning if any part is struck down by courts, the rest of the law would remain in force.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.