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S. 851

Child Custody Protection Act

Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor across a State line to obtain an abortion and thereby abridging the right of a parent under a law in force in the State where the minor resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor.

Specifies that neither the minor transported nor her parent may be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this Act.

Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution for, or to a civil action based on, such a violation that the defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification or judicial authorization that would have been required had the abortion been performed in the State where the minor resides, took place.

Authorizes any parent who suffers harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by such law as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required.

Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV](R-NV)Sponsor
24 cosponsors24 R
24cosponsors1committees4actions1related bills
  1. Committee

    Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

    Judiciary Committee
  2. IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5176)

    Judiciary Committee
  3. IntroReferralB00100

    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5175-5176)

  4. IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate