WASHINGTON (April 17, 2002) -- The House today passed the Child Custody Protection Act by an overwhelming vote of 260 to 161. This is the third time this legislation has been passed by the House of Representatives. The Act would forbid taking a minor girl across state lines for an abortion unless her home state parental involvement law has been followed.

Commenting on today's House action, Cathleen A. Cleaver, Esq., Director of Planning and Information for the USCCB's Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said: "The overwhelming vote in favor of this legislation reflects the opinion of the American people who believe it is wrong to take a child away from her parents to another state for a secret abortion. Yet abortion advocates support this practice and readily admit that it happens all the time."

"Not only is this practice a flagrant violation of parental rights, it exposes teens to the dangers of a serious medical procedure without any medical records or history, and without necessary medical follow-up."

"This Act reestablishes the right of a parent to be a parent," Cleaver said, "and it will help to protect young, vulnerable girls from exploitation. We applaud the House for passing the Child Custody Protection Act and we urge the Senate to act without delay."

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