WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to legislation that would criminalize the actions of concerned family members and medical personnel.  H.R. 748, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, would make it illegal for an adult – including an extended family member – to transport a minor across state lines to receive an abortion.  It would also make it illegal for a doctor to perform the procedure without first receiving parental consent in person and forces doctors to abide by laws of states other than those in which they practice medicine.  In addition, this legislation makes no exception for victims of rape and incest.

Lowey, a long-time pro-choice leader and former Chair of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, gave the following statement on the floor of the House today:

“I rise in opposition to the bill.

“My colleagues, under this legislation we get two crimes for the price of one. 

“H.R. 748 would not only make a felon out of anyone— a step-parent, grandparent, aunt, or clergy member—who accompanies a young woman across state lines for an abortion, it would make a felon out of any doctor who performs an abortion on a minor from another state without having first obtained parental consent in person and abided by a 24 hour waiting period. 

“This is a terribly misguided bill that has the potential to isolate young people and put doctors in the unthinkable position of having to decipher state and federal law before practicing good medicine.

“Thankfully, most young women involve their parents in the decision to seek an abortion.  But under this legislation, those who feel they cannot turn to their parents when facing an unintended pregnancy will be forced to fend for themselves without any help from a responsible adult. Some will seek unsafe abortions close to home.  Others will travel to unfamiliar places seeking abortions by themselves. 

“We should encourage the involvement of responsible adults in these difficult decisions, not criminalize this compassion. 

“Mr. Speaker, every single member of this body knows that we can’t legislate family relationships.  Sadly, parental consent laws don’t always force young women to involve their parents. In fact, we know that in some circumstances, these laws, without any exemptions, can literally tear families apart. 

“This bill isn’t about involving parents in the lives of their daughters or about ensuring that doctors practice medicine responsibly or well. 

“In my judgment, it represents a lack of compassion, empathy, and moral judgment.  It distracts us from doing things that will actually help young people and their families—making abortion less necessary, teaching and encouraging abstinence, and fostering safe and healthy relationships in adolescents.

“I believe this body can do better, and I encourage my colleagues to oppose this legislation.”