Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4964
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-12: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-17T08:07:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation, titled the "Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act," aims to prevent the interstate transportation of minors to obtain abortions that circumvent parental involvement requirements in the minor's state of residence. It also establishes federal notification rules for physicians performing abortions on out-of-state minors.
Key Provisions
- Transportation Offenses (Chapter 117A):
- Creates a federal crime for knowingly transporting a minor across state lines with the intent that the minor obtain an abortion, if it abridges a parent's rights under the home state's parental involvement law. Penalty includes a fine or up to one year in prison.
- Defines "abridgement" as performing an abortion without required parental consent, notification, or court authorization that would apply in the minor's home state.
- Provides exceptions for abortions necessary to save the minor's life due to physical conditions.
- Allows an affirmative defense if the transporter reasonably believed parental consent or notification occurred, or if court documentation shows a waiver.
- Permits parents to file civil actions for harm, except in cases of incest by the parent.
- Includes a separate offense for individuals who have committed incest with the minor and transport them for an abortion.
- Physician Notification Requirements (Chapter 117B):
- Requires physicians to provide at least 24 hours of actual notice (in person) or constructive notice (certified mail) to a parent before performing an abortion on an out-of-state minor.
- Exceptions apply if the procedure complies with the minor's home state law, court authorization is documented, the minor reports abuse (with mandatory reporting), the procedure is life-saving (with post-procedure written notice), or the minor is accompanied by a documented parent.
- Allows civil actions by parents for violations, with an incest exception.
- Definitions: Standardizes terms such as "abortion," "minor," "parent," "State" (including territories and tribes), and "law requiring parental involvement."
- Severability and Effective Date: Provisions are severable if any part is ruled unconstitutional; the Act takes effect 45 days after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces new federal criminal and civil liability under Title 18 of the U.S. Code for interstate activities related to minor abortions, extending beyond existing state parental consent or notification laws. It creates two new chapters (117A and 117B) that federalize enforcement of state parental involvement rules across borders and impose uniform notification standards on physicians. Prior to this, such matters were handled exclusively at the state level without federal criminal penalties for transportation or out-of-state procedures.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases federal involvement through DOJ prosecutions, federal courts, and potential coordination with state child welfare or law enforcement for abuse reports.
- Citizens: Affects minors, parents, and third parties (such as relatives or counselors) involved in interstate travel or medical decisions; may limit options for obtaining abortions without parental involvement.
- International Relations: Minimal direct effect, though the definition of abortion references procedures in foreign nations as potential triggers for the transportation offense.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Minors (under state-defined ages, typically up to 18) seeking abortions.
- Parents, guardians, or legal custodians.
- Physicians and medical providers performing abortions.
- Individuals or entities that might transport minors across state lines.
- States with existing parental involvement laws.
- Advocacy organizations focused on reproductive rights or child protection.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill raises federalism questions by overlaying federal criminal law on state abortion regulations. It may implicate constitutional issues such as the right to interstate travel, due process, and privacy interests in medical decisions. The severability clause anticipates potential court challenges. Politically, it reinforces parental rights in abortion contexts while creating new enforcement mechanisms that could vary based on differing state laws.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Fuller, Clay [R-GA-14]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-12: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-08-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act — issued 2025-08-12 — PDF (12 pages)