[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, some of the most important laws we pass in 
this body are those that strengthen America's families. For that reason 
it is imperative that the House move immediately to curtail activity 
which undermines a relationship so vital to the future of this country: 
the parent-child relationship.
  The Child Custody Protection Act, legislation which makes it a 
Federal offense to transport a minor across State lines for an abortion 
in order to circumvent that State's parental involvement laws, does 
just that. This act supports laws already in place in 22 States, States 
that reinforce the authority of parents, requiring parental or judicial 
notification before a young girl seeks an abortion.
  Mr. Speaker, while the pregnancy of a young girl is an extremely 
difficult situation, these young women are exactly those who parental 
consent State laws are in place to protect.
  Those who wish to undermine parental authority are aiding in the 
breakdown of the family. This cannot be allowed to continue. Congress 
has a responsibility to support laws that strengthen, not weaken 
families.

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