[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT

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                               speech of

                             HON. JIM RYUN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 2002

  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 
American family, and to express my support to the Child Custody 
Protection Act.
  As elected officials, we have been entrusted with the great 
responsibility of protecting not only the rights of the individual, but 
also upholding and reinforcing the authority of the States in which 
they live. Before us is a bill that not only strengthens existing state 
laws, but also protects a very vulnerable group in today's society--
pregnant teens.
  A 1998 poll shows that 78 percent of Americans strongly disagreed 
with the transporting of a minor across state lines to obtain an 
abortion without her parents' knowledge. Our constituents have spoken, 
and it is our explicit responsibility to protect the rights of parents 
in the 43 States that have parental involvement statutes.
  One specific example is the Hope Clinic in Granite City, IL, which 
brazenly cites Illinois' lack of required parental consent through 
radio ads in St. Louis, essentially supporting the circumvention of 
Missouri State laws. We must prevent clinics from luring in teenagers 
from States where parental consent is required.
  If our genuine goal as Representatives is to improve the safety and 
well-being of the American public, then we must pass the Child Custody 
Protection Act.

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