WASHINGTON (July 19, 2006)—Cardinal William H. Keeler today urged the U.S.
Senate to support legislation that affirms parents’ right to protect their
minor daughters from those who would facilitate abortions for them.
Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, is Chairman of the Committee for
Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The Child Custody Protection Act (S. 403) would prevent those who have no
legal responsibility from transporting teenage girls across state lines to
evade states’ parental involvement laws on abortion. Cardinal Keeler noted
that legislation of this kind has been overwhelmingly approved several
times by the House of Representatives.
“The Act will help protect parental autonomy in states with parental
notification or consent laws on abortion,” the Cardinal said. “It will
allow parents to file suit in cases where their fundamental rights and
responsibilities regarding the care of their children have been usurped by
others. No one else—boyfriends, in-laws, counselors, friends—can
substitute for the fundamental role of parents.”
“The need to protect minors in these situations is compelling,” Cardinal
Keeler said. “Abortion can involve life-long emotional and physical
trauma, particularly for young girls. In such situations, the love and
support of families is critical and needs to be encouraged. Parents should
not be kept in the dark when the welfare of their children and their
unborn grandchildren is at stake. Many states have wisely chosen to
protect parents’ rights in this area, and the intent of their protective
laws should not be thwarted.”
Cardinal Keeler urged the Senate to oppose any weakening amendments to the
Child Custody Protection Act.