James Barcia: “I rise in support of H.R. 1218, the Child Custody Protection Act. In light of all that has happened over the past few…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1218, the Child Custody Protection Act. In light of all that has happened over the past few months, our Nation has had a growing concern about the moral fabric of our society. We have felt an increasing need to do everything that we can to protect our children, as they are our most precious resource. We must provide them with a safe environment so that they may thrive as they move into adulthood. One of life's harsh realities is that some young women become pregnant at too early an age. H.R. 1218 does not terminate a person's right to an abortion but does provide important protections for young children who become pregnant. This legislation will make it illegal for any person to transport a minor across State lines to obtain an abortion without first consulting a parent or a judge. It will make it a Federal crime if an individual knowingly circumvents the laws of their State to seek an abortion for any mother under the age of 17. It is most often an older male who preys on a young girl, impregnates her, and then takes her illegally across State lines to have an abortion without the knowledge and consent of the parents. We should all find this manipulative behavior disgusting and disheartening.”