Child Custody Protection Act

This bill would make it a federal crime to transport a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion if doing so bypasses the parental involvement laws of the minor’s home state. It applies specifically to situations where a person other than a parent or guardian assists a minor in traveling to a state with less restrictive laws to avoid notifying or obtaining consent from a parent as required by their state of residence.

The legislation includes an exception for abortions necessary to save the life of the minor and protects the minor and their parents from prosecution or civil liability. Additionally, it allows parents who believe their rights were violated under this act to seek legal relief through civil lawsuits. Individuals facing prosecution could use the defense that they reasonably believed the minor had already obtained the necessary parental consent or judicial authorization required by law.