The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act would make it a federal crime to knowingly transport a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion if doing so circumvents parental notification or consent laws in the minor's home state. The bill creates two main offenses: transporting a minor to circumvent parental involvement laws (punishable by up to one year in prison and fines) and, separately, transporting a minor for abortion when the transporter has committed incest with that minor. The legislation also requires physicians performing abortions on out-of-state minors to provide at least 24 hours' notice to a parent, either in person or by certified mail, with limited exceptions for life-threatening medical situations, documented court waivers, and cases of abuse. The bill allows parents harmed by violations to pursue civil lawsuits and would take effect 45 days after enactment, though minors and their parents cannot be prosecuted under the new law. The measure notably exempts situations where physicians comply with parental involvement laws in the state where the abortion is performed.
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