Summary
Makes it a federal crime to take a young person across state lines for an abortion to get around laws that require parents to be involved.
What problem does this solve?
Some states require a parent's permission for a minor to have an abortion, but people can avoid these laws by traveling to a state without them. This bill creates federal penalties for anyone who transports a minor to another state to bypass these parental involvement laws.
Who does this affect?
- Minors seeking abortions
- Parents and guardians
- Abortion providers
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2431(a)(1)
Header:
Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws relating to abortion
Creates a new federal crime
Makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly take a minor across a state line to get an abortion if it's done to avoid a home state's parental involvement law.
Requires doctors to notify parents
Forces a doctor to give at least 24 hours' notice to a parent before performing an abortion on a minor who lives in a different state.
Sets penalties for violations
Punishes anyone who transports a minor or any doctor who fails to notify a parent with a fine, up to one year in prison, or both.
Allows parents to sue
Gives a parent the right to file a civil lawsuit for damages against someone who takes their child across state lines for an abortion in violation of this act.
Protects minors from prosecution
States that a minor who is transported for an abortion, and their parents, cannot be charged with a crime under this law.
Provides an exception to save the minor's life
Allows an abortion without meeting the requirements if it is necessary to save the minor's life from a physical health condition.
Creates an exception for abuse
Waives the parental notification rule if a minor signs a written statement that they are a victim of abuse by a parent, as long as the doctor reports the abuse to the authorities.
What is the real world impact?
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Restricts abortion access for minors
Creates legal risks for anyone helping a minor travel for an abortion, potentially trapping them in states with restrictive laws, especially if they are in an abusive home and cannot get parental consent.
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Upholds parental rights across state lines
Ensures that state laws requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision cannot be easily ignored by simply crossing into another state.
When does this start?
The rules in this bill would go into effect 45 days after it is signed into law.