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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

Tonight U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, (N.C.-5) voted to make it a federal offense to knowingly transport a minor across state lines in order to obtain an abortion in a state without parental notification laws. The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which Rep. Foxx co-sponsored, passed the House 270 to 157.

Rep. Foxx made the following remarks during debate on the House floor earlier this afternoon:

“Unfortunately, only about half of our states currently have parental notification or consent laws in effect. All too often, these laws are circumvented by those wishing to take minors to other states that do not have parental notification requirements. This often happens under heavy pressure from older boyfriends or at the urging of abortion providers.

“In order to protect the welfare of young girls and the rights of their parents, Congress has a duty to regulate this interstate activity.

“Furthermore, those who manipulate and abuse young, vulnerable pregnant girls should be punished. This must include irresponsible abortionists who perform abortions on young girls from other states.

“As federal lawmakers, we also have an obligation to protect the rights of the states.

“Unfortunately, when it comes to abortion, these state laws are being trampled on at the expense of vulnerable young girls and their families.

“Life does begin at conception and it is sacred. We should do all we can to protect life. This includes empowering the states that have parental notification laws to enforce them.

“Abortionists should not be rewarded for opening their businesses to new markets in other states. The health and well being of these young girls is at risk.

“I am optimistic about the future of this legislation because of the tenacity of Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, the 129 co-sponsors of this bill, and the support the Judiciary Committee Chairman and our leadership in the House.

“Life is a gift from God delivered at conception. It must be protected and cherished from that point forward. I am happy and honored to be here with my colleagues today to celebrate another great stride toward that goal.”

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