Child Custody News

Child Custody Protection Act
According to Congressman Stupak

I am a proud co-sponsor of this legislation and similar legislation, which the House passed in 1998, 1999, and 2002. However, because the Senate failed to pass this legislation in each of these years, it did not become law. Under the provisions of the proposed Act, it would be a violation of federal law to transport a minor girl across state lines for the purpose of procuring an abortion, if this is done to evade parental notification or parental consent law that is in effect in the girl's home state.

HR 748 contains additional provisions that require that in those states without a parental notification requirement, before an abortion provider may perform an abortion on a minor girl who is the resident of a different state, that provider must notify a parent -- unless the minor has already received authorization from a judge in her home state ("judicial bypass"), or unless she falls into carefully drafted exceptions to cover cases of abuse or medical emergencies. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on this legislation earlier this year, however, the Committee has not approved the legislation for a vote on the House floor.

I believe Congress needs to enact this legislation to ensure that minor girls are protected from exploitation, and that parents' rights are protected, when a minor is taken across state lines for an abortion.

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	Did You Know?
	Nonbiological parents can be awarded custody. Nonbiological parents have been awarded custody by the courts in cases of child abandonment or chronic child abuse. Judges can award custody to anyone with an interest in the child, such as stepparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, and surrogates, who can introduce evidence as to why they would be the better custodians than the natural parent(s). Click Here to Find a Nationwide Child Custody Attorney to Handle your Child Custody Case Today!