Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed into law legislation making abortion a crime in Idaho if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Roe v. Wade decision that legalizing the procedure nationwide.
The Republican this week signed the measure that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Criminal punishment under the law would be a felony and apply to the people performing abortions, not the women, as doctors could have their licenses suspended or revoked.
Opponents have said the measure takes away women’s rights and doesn’t include provisions for the health of the woman, given that some pregnancies can cause serious, lifelong health problems.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Senator Todd Lakey, has said the health of women is secondary to their unborn children.
President Donald Trump has appointed two conservative judges to the U.S. Supreme Court and there is speculation the court could overturn the 1973 Roe decision. A Supreme Court reversal would mean abortion policy would revert to the states.
The Idaho measure passed the GOP-controlled Legislature mostly along party lines, with all Democrats opposed. Some Republicans who opposed the bill said they wanted abortion in cases of incest or rape made illegal, insisted that Idaho does not need to obey Supreme Court rulings, or thought the bill would make it too easy to prosecute doctors. (AP)
