Background:

If a woman's right to choose is denied then she should be guaranteed by a new federal law to receive child support from the father of her child from the moment of conception through the child's 21st birthday.  Please consider signing this petition for a new federal law protecting both women's and children's rights.

Preamble:
Whereas the responsibility for child care and upbringing is a shared responsibility of both parents;
Whereas it is in the best interest of the child to have adequate financial support from both parents;
Whereas the costs associated with child care begin at conception and extend into adulthood;

Section 1: Definitions

 1. Child: Any human offspring from conception until 21 years of age.
 2. Father: The biological father of the child, as determined by paternity testing or acknowledgment of paternity.
 3. Child Care Expenses: All expenses incurred for the care and upbringing of the child, including but not limited to medical expenses (prenatal and postnatal), education, food, housing, and general welfare.

Section 2: Responsibilities of the Father

 1. The father of any child shall be responsible for sharing the child care expenses with the mother of the child, starting from the first month of conception.
 2. The financial contribution shall be determined based on the father’s income and ability to pay, ensuring that the child’s needs are adequately met.
 3. The father’s financial responsibility shall continue until the child reaches 21 years of age.

Section 3: Enforcement and Implementation

 1. A federal agency shall be designated to oversee the implementation and enforcement of this Act.
 2. The agency shall have the authority to establish guidelines for determining the amount of financial support, considering the cost of living, the child’s needs, and the parents’ financial circumstances.
 3. In cases of dispute, the agency shall have the authority to arbitrate and enforce child support agreements and orders.

Section 4: Legal Proceedings and Penalties

 1. Failure to comply with the financial obligations set forth in this Act shall result in legal penalties, including but not limited to fines and imprisonment.
 2. The agency shall have the authority to collaborate with state and local authorities to ensure compliance and enforcement.

Section 5: Amendments and Revisions

 1. This Act may be amended or revised as necessary to adapt to changing social, economic, and familial needs.

Section 6: Effective Date

 1. This Act shall take effect on [specified date] following its enactment.