Idaho passed a bill introduced by Republican state legislators that would punish those who facilitate abortions for minors without the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Pending Governor Brad Little's signature, the measure would mean that adults would be prohibited from purchasing abortion pills for pregnant minors without parental authorization. It also establishes the crime of "abortion trafficking," which would make it illegal to take them to other states for abortions.
There is a federal law that allows minors to travel to other states for abortion treatment. The bill would outlaw the portion of the trip that takes place in Idaho for minors travelling to other states for an abortion, which does not violate the legislation contained in the Constitution.
Idaho's residents who violate the rule would face prison sentences ranging from two to five years. In addition, the minor's parents or guardians could sue them.
Idaho a pioneer in this measure
Idaho would be the first state to enact such a measure. The bill promoted by Republican legislators has a high chance of becoming law, due to Little's well-known anti-abortion stance.
In Idaho, abortion is prohibited at any stage of pregnancy since the case of Roe vs. Wade was overturned. The only exceptions authorized by the state are in case of rape or incest, or if the pregnant woman's life is at high risk. In early 2023, the state Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not a fundamental right under the Idaho Constitution.
"Idaho has the strictest abortion bans in the country"
As is evident, the Idaho Democratic Party opposes the bill. Melissa Wintrow, a Democratic senator, noted:
I think we all know that Idaho has the strictest abortion bans in the country. It is criminal, it is totally banned, and this bill adds insult to injury in my estimation.
Todd Lakey, Republican senator and sponsor of the bill, said that this measure "will help protect our kids. It does help prevent and protect against abortion, especially those that occur without consent of a parent in another state."
