Idaho abortion ban ballot measure certified

Idaho abortion ban ballot measure certified for November election

11 reported

Idaho’s secretary of state certified a ballot measure on Monday that would reverse the state’s strict abortion ban, placing the issue before voters in November. The initiative was led by the volunteer-run group Idahoans United for Women & Families, which gathered more than 100,000 signatures, surpassing the required 70,725 to qualify for the ballot. If approved, the measure would create a law for “reproductive freedom” rather than amend the state constitution, allowing abortion until fetal viability, generally considered after about 21 weeks. It would also permit individuals to make their own choices regarding abortion, contraception, and fertility treatment. Idaho’s current ban prohibits abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with exceptions only to save the woman’s life or in cases of rape or incest, and does not include exceptions for the woman’s health. The ban has prompted doctors to leave the state due to severe penalties, and in 2023 four women sued after being unable to obtain abortions for pregnancy complications. David Ripley, CEO of the anti-abortion group Idaho Chooses Life, plans to campaign against the measure, stating it would invalidate many pro-life laws enacted over the past 30 to 40 years.

What’s reported

Idaho’s secretary of state certified a ballot measure on Monday that would reverse the state’s abortion ban.

The measure was led by Idahoans United for Women & Families, a volunteer-run group.

The group gathered more than 100,000 signatures, exceeding the required 70,725.

If approved, the measure would create a law for “reproductive freedom,” not a constitutional amendment.

The new law would allow abortion until fetal viability, generally after about 21 weeks, and allow choices on abortion, contraception, and fertility treatment.

Idaho’s current ban prohibits abortion at all stages, with exceptions for life of the woman, rape, or incest, but not for the woman’s health.

Idaho was the first state, in 2023, to make it a crime to help a minor obtain an abortion without parental consent.

Doctors have left the state due to severe penalties under the ban, and four women sued in 2023 after being denied abortions for pregnancy complications.

David Ripley, CEO of Idaho Chooses Life, is preparing to campaign against the measure.

Nationwide, abortion rights advocates have lost four statewide votes but prevailed in 14 referendums since Roe v Wade was overturned.

Virginia and Nevada are considering constitutional amendments to create a right to abortion; Missouri is letting voters decide whether to reinstate a previous ban undone in 2024.