Teen Endangerment Act passed

The Child Custody Protection Act, pegged the "Teen Endangerment Act" by the New York Times, was passed 270-159 by the House on June 23, 1999.

H.R.1218 helps over 20 states enforce their individual laws requiring parental notification or constent before a minor obtains an abortion by making it a federal offense to transport a minor across state lines for the purpose of obtaining an abortion in a state not requiring parental involvement.

In other words, the legislation turns anyone - ministers, grandmothers, aunts, brothers, sisters - into a criminal for helping a teen cross state lines. Penalities include fines and/or a prision term not to exceed one year. The teen seeking the abortion can also be prosecuted as an accessory to the crime.

In a press release, Vicky Saporta, executive director of the National Abortin Federation said, "We are dismayed that once again, the House has voted to put trusted family members behind bars for helping a teen when she needs it most."

"The Teen Endangerment Act, erroneously packaged as legislation that would increase family communication, would leave too many American families out in the cold," Saporta said."The majority in Congress is still determined to take away women and families ability to make their own personal health care decisions."

NOW president Patricia Ireland said, "The Teen Endangerment Act is particularly extreme in that it does not include adequate life exception or the constitutionally required health exception," said Ireland.

The legislation also adds to the danger for teens seeking abortion by forcing them to travel alone or with other teens.