Tell Senator Frist: Stop Playing Politics With the Lives of Young Women

In a blatant attempt to pacify his right-wing base, Majority Leader Bill Frist tried to attach a so-called "Child Custody Protection Act" to a vote on the minimum wage.

This Act, misleadingly named, would make it a federal crime for any person other than a parent - including a grandparent, aunt, or religious counselor - to accompany a young woman for abortion care in another state unless she has complied with parental involvement mandates in her home state.

But this bill doesn’t take into account those young women who seek the help of a responsible adult other than a parent because of violence or abuse at home, or situations of rape or incest. In fact, this bill would actually force a young woman in such circumstances to go to the doctor alone, rather than be accompanied by a trusted adult.

Tell Senator Frist to stop playing politics with the lives of young women. Urge the Senate to protect underage survivors of rape, incest, and assault by rejecting the "Child Custody Protection Act." </FONT></FONT> Sign the petition... http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/496102484

 

On the face of it, it seems that the bill is saying that taking a minor across state lines to avoid the laws of the state is a federal crime. This seems like a good idea, the federal government supporting each state and the laws they pass.

However, resticting the proposed law to abortion cases, makes it clear that the proposed law supports the states only in so far as they restrict abortion.

Taking a minor across state lines to get a tattoo is still legal.

Federal support of state laws is an arguable position. But thats not what this bill is about. Its specificaly about federal opposition to legal abortions for minors.

There are states that require parental notification for a minor's abortion. (California is going to be voting again (I thought we said "No!' last time) on this in November.) Are there states where a minor needs parental permision to put her child up for adoption? Or require notification of a non-custodial parent?