If you're wondering exactly why our Senator Dick Durbin just couldn't bring himself to protect minors who are hauled across state lines for abortions to avoid a state's parental notifications laws, you want to read a note I just received from the esteemed [sic] senator.
Note these comments . . .
- neither chamber passed a version with language that agreed with the others', therefore, predators can continue to bring young girls into Illinois to escape the surrounding states' laws
- his lack of support is to protect grannies and to indict parents who haven't earned the trust of their young daughters
- he'll keep in mind our objections just "in case it is considered again in the Senate."
Yeah, right. As if that's going to happen in the near future. . .
Read for yourself . . .
Dear Mrs. Eaton:
Thank you for contacting me about the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (also known as the Child Custody Protection Act). I appreciate knowing your thoughts about this legislation.
Different versions of this bill passed the Senate and the House of Representatives in 2006. The Constitution states that in order for a bill to become law, identical language must be passed by both houses of Congress and then be signed by the President. Neither body passed the other's version of the bill before the 109th Congress came to a close, so the bill was not sent to the President to become law.
The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act would have established penalties for transporting an individual under the age of 18 across a state line to obtain an abortion. The proposed law would have applied to minors who live in states that require parental involvement in the minor's abortion decision.
I understand your support for this bill, but I had several reservations. I was concerned that it would punish a grandmother or a young friend who was only trying to assist a young woman in a difficult situation. No federal law can create trust and communication between parents and children where none exists. If it had become law, this bill would have created additional complications for young women involved in extremely difficult family circumstances.
I will continue to keep your thoughts about this legislation in mind in case it is considered again in the Senate. Again, thank you for your message. Please feel free to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/mmd
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.
