I am writing this petition while being deeply entrenched in the mire of a custody battle, an unexpected life event that has made me realize the inadequacies in our current system. In states across our nation, parental rights are inconsistently protected and the process is often complex and convoluted. This should not be the case. Parenting should not be questioned based on one's ability to navigate an overwhelming system.

The need for a constitutional amendment to protect parental rights uniformly across the nation is evident. This amendment would provide clear guidelines, streamline the process, and ensure the rights of all parents are upheld, regardless of state law variations. It's about time the highest law of the land recognizes that being a parent is a fundamental right that deserves federal protection.

Reviewing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we found that there were 13.6 million single parents in 2020, representing 20.1% of all parents. These parents and their 22.4 million children, representing 28.4% of all children, had to deal with state laws, custody arrangements, and protections that vary widely (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).

These figures reflect the number of parents and children potentially struggling with the current state-based laws. It is not a small part of our society that is affected. We must act collectively to change the conditions for the better and uphold the rights of parents across our nation.

Please sign this petition to help bring a much-needed constitutional amendment to the fore, and ensure that parental rights receive the federal protection they deserve.