Idaho Passes Law Restricting Travel For Out-of-State Abortions

0:00

/0:00

1×

Facts

• Idaho has become the first US state to limit interstate travel for abortion, passing a law banning adults from transporting minors for an abortion without parental consent. The legislation was signed by GOP Gov. Brad Little.¹
• House Bill 242 criminalizes what it describes as 'abortion trafficking,' potentially leading to up to five years in prison. Idaho borders several states where abortion is legal, including Washington, Oregon, Montana, and California.²
• The law makes it illegal for an adult to help a minor obtain an abortion — whether through travel or medicine — with 'the intent to conceal' the procedure from the parents or guardians of a pregnant minor.³
• It will also allow parents or guardians to sue the adult traveling with the minor, except in the case of rape or incest. In such a case, the individual would still be liable to criminal penalties.⁴
• To avoid violating the constitutional right to travel between states, the bill only criminalizes the in-state segment of the trip. 36 states already require parental involvement in abortion cases, though most contain exceptions such as medical emergencies, according to the Guttmacher Institute.⁵
• Gov. Jay Inslee of Idaho's neighboring state, Washington, told Gov. Little that the law 'will not stand' and that Washington would continue to 'harbor and comfort' Idaho's traveling residents. The legislation will take effect next month.⁶

Sources: ¹Forbes, ²The hill, ³Restoring america, ⁴Associated Press, ⁵New York Post and ⁶The american prospect.

Narratives

• Republican narrative, as provided by National review. The landmark bill appears to be a stern response to neighboring states that have seen themselves as abortion sanctuaries. The bill continues the state's adoption of stringent bans on abortion in the US, although it remains open to cases involving rape, incest, and a threat to the life of a mother. This is a clear-cut exercise of both Idaho's domain under states' rights and common-sense legislation.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by Guardian. Seeking to restrict the autonomy of young women attempting to travel for an abortion, as well as those who try to help them, is typical of the cruel and misogynistic anti-choice movement. Such laws continue to view women and girls as property while attempting to destroy the good conscience of those around them who wish to help. This is an assault on women's rights.

Predictions