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GUEST: Donna Crane, Deputy Director of Government Relations at NARAL pro-choice America

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed legislation that will criminalize the transportation of minors across state lines for purposes of having an abortion by anyone who is not the parent or legal guardian. Coming just weeks before the midterm elections, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, as it is officially known, passed by a vote of 264 to 153. Some critics see the timing of the legislation as an attempt by the right-wing to rally their base for the upcoming November elections. If the bill were to become law, penalties for non parents and legal guardians who accompany minors seeking abortion across state lines would be subject to up to a year in prison, or a fine of $100,000. Furthermore, doctors who inadvertently failed to comply with the provisions set out in the bill would also face criminal penalties. It is important to note that 49 House Democrats joined 215 House Republicans in voting for the bill.

For more information, visit www.prochoiceamerica.org.