Interstate Abortion Bill

The Interstate Abortion Bill (S. 403) was a bill passed by the United States Senate by a vote of 65 to 34 on 25 July 2006. If enacted, it would have become illegal for non-parents/guardians, including clergy and grandparents, to take a minor from one state to another that allows a minor to have an abortion without parental consent. They may still go cross-state, provided the minor has parental consent.

The bill was similar to others passed by the United States House of Representatives.

The White House said that the bill would "protect the health and safety of minors" and "protect the rights of parents to be involved in the medical decisions of their minor daughters consistent with the widespread belief among authorities in the field that it is the parents of a pregnant minor who are best suited to provide her counsel, guidance, and support." President George W. Bush said "I appreciate the Senate's efforts to preserve the integrity of state law and protect our nation's families."

The bill would not have penalized the pregnant girl trying to get the abortion.

Violators could have been sentenced to one year in prison.

Sources

• (Washington Post)
• (Congress Record, Not yet updated)