Bill Summary

This bill would make it a federal crime to transport a minor across state lines to circumvent the home state’s abortion laws, particularly those regarding parental consent or notification. Nearly 80% of Americans support parental notification or consent measures and over 30 states have enacted these measures. Unfortunately, these protections are routinely ignored as some adults purposefully transport young girls to states with fewer abortion restrictions.

In the House, the bill is referred to as the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA). In the Senate, it is called the Child Custody Protection Act (CCPA).

This bill would also require abortion providers to notify the parents of a non-resident minor girl if her home state has parental notification or consent laws. Exceptions are provided for minors who have already received authorization from a judge in their home state (judicial bypass), or if they fall into a carefully drafted group of exceptions that cover cases of abuse or medical emergencies.

CIANA/CCPA is essential to helping parents protect their young daughters. It is time for Congress to approve this commonsense measure to ensure young girls are protected from exploitation and parents' rights are respected.

Bill Status

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) reintroduced CIANA in the House in February 2007. Senator John Ensign (R-NV) reintroduced CCPA in the Senate in January 2008.

Bill History

The Child Custody Protection Act passed both the House and the Senate in the 109th Congress, but pro-abortion Democrats used last-minute procedural obstacles to obstruct it from going to Conference Committee. Conference Committee consideration is the final step to work out differences in legislation passed by both the House and the Senate before the bill can be sent to the President's desk for signature.