Republican Idaho lawmakers have advanced legislation making abortion a crime should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, the ruling establishing abortion rights nationwide.
The House State Affairs Committee Monday voted along party lines to approve the measure that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. The bill, which has already passed the Senate, now heads to the full House for consideration.
Under the measure, criminal punishment would be a felony and apply to the person performing the abortion, not the woman, as doctors could have their licenses suspended or revoked.
President Donald Trump has appointed two conservative judges to the U.S. Supreme Court, and there’s speculation the court could overturn the 1973 Roe decision, which would revert abortion policy to the states.
Those opposed to Idaho’s bill fell into two categories – those who did not want exceptions for rape and incest, and others who say it took away rights and would harm women. (AP)
