Washington, DC —
Senator John Thune today issued the following statement after Senate consideration of the Child Custody Protection Act, which would make it illegal to transport a minor across state lines to get an abortion if doing so goes against a state's parental notification or consent law. The bill passed by a vote of 65 to 34.
"I fully support the Child Custody Protection Act to protect the health and safety of pregnant teens and ensure the rights of parents to be involved in medical decisions that can pose serious health risks to their children," Thune said. "South Dakota is one of at least 37 states that legally require pregnant minors to notify or gain consent of their parents before getting an abortion. Today's bill would protect the state of South Dakota's right to enforce that law, protect young women from being pressured into potentially harmful situations, and protect parents' rights to be involved in decisions that can have serious consequences on their children's lives."
"I fully support the Child Custody Protection Act to protect the health and safety of pregnant teens and ensure the rights of parents to be involved in medical decisions that can pose serious health risks to their children," Thune said. "South Dakota is one of at least 37 states that legally require pregnant minors to notify or gain consent of their parents before getting an abortion. Today's bill would protect the state of South Dakota's right to enforce that law, protect young women from being pressured into potentially harmful situations, and protect parents' rights to be involved in decisions that can have serious consequences on their children's lives."
