Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

Key Points

• This bill makes it a federal crime to take a minor across state lines for an abortion to avoid parental involvement laws in their home state. Anyone who knowingly helps a minor bypass these rules could face up to one year in prison and fines.
• Doctors would be required to notify a parent at least 24 hours before performing an abortion on a minor from another state. If a parent cannot be reached in person, the doctor must send a certified letter and wait for a set time before the procedure can happen.
• There are exceptions for life-threatening medical emergencies. Additionally, if a minor has already received permission from a judge in their home state to have the procedure without a parent, these new federal notification rules would not apply.
• The law protects the minors and their parents from being charged with a crime. However, parents who were not notified can sue the person who transported the minor or the doctor for damages, unless that parent was involved in a case of incest.
• If a minor is a victim of abuse by a parent, they can sign a statement to waive the notification requirement. In these cases, the doctor is required to report the abuse to state authorities before performing the abortion.