[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 748) to 
     amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent the 
     transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws 
     relating to abortion, and for other purposes:

  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R 
748, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. I would like to 
thank Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for her leadership on this crucial 
issue. I am an original co-sponsor of this legislation and applaud the 
effort of those who brought this measure to the floor.
  Today we have an opportunity to protect families, protect children, 
and protect the unborn. Let us make sure parents are given a chance to 
help their daughters during their most vulnerable times. Parents of 
minor children must be consulted if their child wants to get their ears 
pierced. The same standard should be applied when it comes to making 
life altering decisions. My home State of Texas has enacted a law 
guaranteeing the rights of parents in making important medical 
decisions for their children. Several states bordering Texas have no 
such statutes and many try to circumvent Texas law by driving across 
state lines, often against the will of the child. This bill will ensure 
that if a family is ever faced with having to make such a life altering 
decision it will be made by the family, and with the child's best 
interests at heart.
  With passage of this legislation, Congress has an opportunity to 
stand with families during a difficult time. We also have a chance to 
protect the least among us, the unborn.
  Let us be judged on how we answer this call. Let us pass this pro-
family, pro-child, and pro-life legislation.

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