by Planned Parenthood

About the author: Planned Parenthood is a family planning organization that works to secure access to abortion and protects reproductive rights. The organization presented this testimony before Congress during hearings about the Child Custody Protection Act, H.R. 1218, which prohibits taking minors across state lines in order to circumvent state laws that require parental notification or consent for an abortion. The bill has not passed.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America opposes H.R. 1218 [the Child Custody Protection Act]. This bill sends the harsh message to young women facing unintended pregnancies that they cannot turn for help to responsible adults. As such, it seriously obstructs the ability of young women to obtain safe and legal abortions, and puts them and any responsible adults who attempt to assist them at additional risk when...