Idaho Governor Brad Little will soon decide whether to sign into law a measure making abortion a crime in Idaho should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing the procedure.
The Republican-led House on Wednesday voted 49-18 to give final legislative approval to the measure that includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. The bill previously passed the Senate 27-7.
Under the measure, the criminal punishment would be a felony and apply to the person performing the abortion, not the woman. Doctors could have their licenses suspended or revoked.
Opponents say the measure takes away women’s rights and doesn’t include provisions for the health of the woman, as some pregnancies can cause serious lifelong health problems. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Senator Todd Lakey, has said the health of the woman is a secondary consideration.
A reversal of Roe, the ruling establishing abortion rights nationwide, would mean abortion policy would revert to the states.
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. (AP)
