Idaho lawmakers are proposing a new bill called the Abortion Trafficking Bill that would restrict minors’ ability to travel out of state for abortions without their parent’s consent. This bill is the latest in a series of efforts by the far-right to restrict access to abortion care.
Abortion Trafficking Bill in Idaho
Idaho is already known for having some of the strictest abortion restrictions in the country. Almost all abortions are banned in the state, and any doctor who provides an abortion is presumed guilty of a crime. The new bill would make it illegal for adults to transport minors to obtain an abortion-inducing drug or abortion without parental consent, with a minimum sentence of two years in prison. Additionally, the Idaho attorney general could override any local prosecutor’s decision, preemptively preventing any prosecutor who vows not to enforce the extreme law.
According to Huff Post, although the Abortion Trafficking Bill does not explicitly mention crossing state lines, Republican lawmakers are using creative interpretation to target those who help minors leave Idaho for abortions in neighboring states. Anyone who transports minors to obtain an abortion-inducing drug or abortion in those states would be guilty of a felony under Idaho law, even if the actual procedure takes place outside of Idaho.
The Abortion Trafficking Bill has received criticism from Democrats, who believe it is an attempt to limit minors’ access to reproductive healthcare. Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow argues that the bill is part of a larger plan by the far-right to restrict access to abortion care incrementally. She also points out that the bill would be devastating to minors, physicians, and the healthcare system in Idaho.
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The Abortion Trafficking Bill is Expected to Pass in the Republican-Controlled Legislature
Despite these concerns, the bill is expected to pass in the Republican-controlled legislature and be signed into law by Governor Brad Little, a staunch anti-abortion advocate. Little was the first governor to copy Texas’ controversial bounty hunter abortion restriction.
The Abortion Trafficking Bill is concerning to reproductive rights activists and advocates. They see it as yet another attempt by the far-right to restrict access to abortion care in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. If the bill becomes law, it is likely to face legal challenges, as it is seen as a violation of a person’s right to travel and right to access reproductive healthcare.
In conclusion, the proposed Abortion Trafficking Bill in Idaho would restrict minors’ ability to travel out of state for abortions without their parent’s consent. If passed, the bill would be the latest effort by the far-right to restrict access to abortion care. Despite criticism from Democrats and reproductive rights activists, the bill is expected to pass in the Republican-controlled legislature and be signed into law by Governor Brad Little. Legal challenges are likely to follow, as the bill is seen as a violation of a person’s right to travel and their right to access reproductive healthcare.
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