Frist on Child Custody Protection Act

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says he expects the “Child Custody Protection Act” will pass the Senate this evening.

In a conference call with reporters this afternoon, Frist says the bill will penalize adults taking girls under 18 across state lines for an abortion, without informing their parents.

“Transporting a minor across state lines to get around the law and get a secret abortion is wrong. It disdains the concerns of parents, it ignores the health risks to a minor and flouts state laws. All of those issues are being discussed on the floor and I’m delighted we’ll pass that bill.”

Democrats have been criticizing the bill as election year politics to appease the conservative Republican base.

Frist isn’t running for re-election to the Senate this year, but he appears to be building the framework for a 2008 presidential run. He’s traveling to Iowa this weekend, and says he’ll be taking a message that’s against partisan politics and for a vision of American prosperity.

Responding to questions from reporters, Frist says he’s not impacted by the pending buyout of Hospital Corporation of America, the company started by his father and brother. Frist sold his stock in the company last year.

Frist declined to comment on the continuing Securities and Exchange Commission’s inquiry into that sale. Frist has maintained he sold his shares to avoid conflicts of interests, but the SEC has been investigating the sale on charges of insider trading because the stock fell shortly after Frist sold his shares.