Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act of 2023 This bill creates new federal crimes related to transporting a minor across state lines for an abortion. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly transport a minor across a state line to obtain an abortion without satisfying the requirements of a parental involvement law in the minor's resident state. A parental involvement law requires parental consent or notification, or judicial authorization, for a minor to obtain an abortion. The bill prohibits an individual who has committed incest with a minor from knowingly transporting the minor across a state line to receive an abortion. Finally, the bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform or induce an abortion on an out-of-state minor without first notifying the minor's parent.
The bill significantly impacts how state laws regarding parental involvement in minors' abortion decisions are enforced. States with such laws that require parental consent or notification would be further supported by this federal legislation, which asserts that any circumvention of these laws by transporting a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion without the requisite parental involvement would be a federal offense. As a result, this could lead to less access to abortion services for minors, particularly in states with stringent parental involvement laws.
SB78, also known as the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act of 2023, aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code by creating new federal offenses concerning the transportation of minors across state lines for the purpose of obtaining an abortion. This legislation specifically prohibits individuals from knowingly transporting a minor to circumvent laws requiring parental involvement, such as parental consent or notification, or judicial authorization required in the minor's state of residence. Those who violate this provision could face fines or imprisonment for up to one year.
Notable points of contention arise concerning the bill's implications for minors who may face abusive situations at home. The bill does outline certain exceptions, such as situations where the minor’s life is in danger or cases of suspected abuse. However, critics argue that the overall structure of the bill could place vulnerable minors at increased risk by requiring parental involvement in circumstances that are prone to abuse. Advocates for reproductive rights express concern that the bill undermines a minor's ability to make autonomous health decisions and could lead to negative health outcomes due to delays in accessing care.