J.C. Watts: “I rise to support a common-sense bill to empower parents and protect children. The Child Custody Protection Act is…”

“I rise to support a common-sense bill to empower parents and protect children. The Child Custody Protection Act is first, last and always about the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. Girls under the age of eighteen should be protected from people who set out to break a state's law--especially when the decision is one that can never be reversed. States have wisely enacted parental consent and notification laws to ensure mothers and fathers are fully involved in their children's lives. Just as they have control whether or not to permit an aspirin to be dispensed to their son or daughter in school, the parent-child relationship must not be undermined on the subject of abortion. There is an abundance of evidence from the Yellow Pages to prove abortion clinics advertise to minor girls. 'No parental consent needed' caters to the out-of-state girl who is often scared and confused. Children should not have their parents' counsel replaced by the phone book. I commend the sponsors and supporters of this legislation--both Democrat and Republican--and urge passage of the bill.”