While the new Democratically-controlled Congress isn’t as pro-choice as we might hope, the change in the guard should spell the end for the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. The law, which, among other things, criminalizes anyone other than a parent assisting a minor to get an abortion across state lines, passed both houses earlier this year, but it’s currently in committee for reconciliation of varying language.
In the lame duck session, I would doubt the Republicans would move this measure along and get new votes on the reconciled bill in both houses. They’ve got more important things on their agenda for leaving a black mark on this country. And, when the new Congress comes to town next year, despite many Democrats having voted for the bill, it has lost at least 5 of its cosponsors and probably won’t see the light of day with the Democrats controlling the agenda in both houses. At least, that’s what we have to hope for.
– David S. Cohen
