Here is the Issue:

The so-called Child Custody Protection Act (S. 1645) which has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for a Senate vote on Wednesday, September 23rd. It may be a very close one and contacting your senators as soon as possible could mean the difference between winning or losing.  As many of you are already aware, this dangerous bill would prohibit anyone other than a parent -- including a grandparent, relative or other trusted adult -- from accompanying  a young woman across state lines to obtain an abortion if she has not followed the parental involvement of her home state. The bill, if passed, would prevent many young women from obtaining critical reproductive health care services and would endanger their health and safety. It is most likely an unconstitutional measure as it would deny abortion rights as protected under Roe v. Wade and other related cases. Your prompt action may help save young women's lives.
 

How You Can Help:

Please call your senators' offices right away and urge them to vote against this bill. Here are some points to be stressed -

*Most young women (about 60%) consult their parents in making a decision about seeking an abortion, but a substantial number of young women who fear violence or being forced to leave home, cannot tell their parents.

*For those young women who fear an adverse reaction from their parents, they must be able to consult with another trusted adult and to receive needed assistance in dealing with a crisis pregnancy.

*Eighty-four percent of counties in the U.S. do not have an abortion provider; therefore, it is essential in many crisis pregnancies that women be able to travel to another state.

*With a limited ability to travel to another state, young women risk serious injury or even death from ‘back-alley' abortions or self-induced abortion. This bill is truly the "Teen Endangerment Act" and must be defeated.
 

The main number for Congress is (202) 224-3121; ask the operator to connect you with your senators' offices. Connect to http://www.visi.com/juan/congress for congressional fax, phone and
e-mail addresses. Thanks for your help in trying to defeat this terrible legislation.