Child Custody News

Child Custody Protection Act

The Child Custody Protection Act (CCPA) would make it a federal offense to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion if this action circumvents the application of a state law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion (or judicial waiver of such a requirement).

Over thirty states have laws in effect that require the consent or notification of at least one parent, or court authorization, before a minor can obtain an abortion. The CCPA would curb much of the current interstate circumvention of these laws, thereby protecting the rights of parents and the well being of vulnerable minors. The CCPA is not a federal parental involvement law; it merely ensures that these state laws are not evaded through interstate activity. It does not encroach on state powers, but rather protects them.

Sadly, the interstate transportation of minors to procure an abortion often serves to conceal criminal activity such as statutory rape. Abortion clinics on state borders often advertise in the yellow pages of phone books in states with parental consent laws in order to attract minors across state lines. These clinics intentionally market to minors to circumvent state laws. Schools require parental involvement for fieldtrips, medications, early school release, and academic decisions such as sex education, yet with reckless disregard for state laws, a stranger can legally transport a minor across state lines and have her undergo a potentially life-threatening and certainly life-altering procedure. If parental consent is required for ear piercing then certainly it is appropriate to protect parental involvement in a minor's decision concerning an abortion.

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	Did You Know?
	Nonbiological parents can be awarded custody. Nonbiological parents have been awarded custody by the courts in cases of child abandonment or chronic child abuse. Judges can award custody to anyone with an interest in the child, such as stepparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, and surrogates, who can introduce evidence as to why they would be the better custodians than the natural parent(s). Click Here to Find a Nationwide Child Custody Attorney to Handle your Child Custody Case Today!