The state of Idaho takes the abortion law from Texas and makes innovations. Abortion is prohibited from the sixth week.
Washington – A strict abortion law was passed in the US state of Idaho on Monday (March 14, 2022). Access to legal abortions in the United States continues to be restricted.
So far, twelve states have already introduced laws that adopt the strict regulations on abortion from Texas in different variants and some deviations. The regulation stipulates that abortions are prohibited from the sixth week after fertilization of the egg cell. This even applies to rape and incest. Only medical emergencies allow an exception.
| Abortion Law Idaho | |
|---|---|
| ban | Abortion from the sixth week |
| exceptions | Medical emergencies only |
| Sum for plaintiffs in case of success | At least $10,000 |
Strict abortion law in Idaho: Abortion forbidden after the sixth week
Any person who assists in any way in a prohibited abortion will face severe consequences. Plaintiffs are entitled to at least $10,000 if successful, the Catholic News Agency (KNA) reported.
The strict abortion law now also applies in the Rocky Mountain state of Idaho. The Senate had already accepted the draft. The House of Representatives approved the law on Monday with a clear majority. Republican Governor Brad Little’s signature is considered a formality.
Idaho passes strict abortion law: Legislators have adjusted the draft
Idaho lawmakers have also modified the bill. Any private individuals are therefore not allowed to go to court. In the broadest sense, this is reserved for the family members of the pregnant woman. Also, only abortion providers can be sued. If successful, the bonus will be twice as high at $20,000, as reported by KNA.
The new regulation could come into force as early as April. That would be months ahead of the expected landmark ruling by the Washington Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This concerns the Mississippi abortion law. At 15 weeks, it provides a much longer period for legal abortion than in Texas or Idaho. A major difference, however, is enforcement. In Mississippi, the prosecutor’s office would have primary responsibility for taking action against abortion providers.
Idaho Abortion Law: New rule could go into effect in April
The Mississippi statute would most likely be unconstitutional under current jurisdiction. The 1973 judgment in Roe v. Wade” explained abortion largely as a private matter. Beginning around week 23, the states can issue bans within a framework defined by the Supreme Court.
At a hearing, the US Supreme Court indicated its conservative majority appears poised to overturn the nearly 50-year-old Basic Law, KNA reported. If they don’t, however, the laws of Texas and Idaho remain. So far, the Supreme Court in Washington has declined to rule on whether enforcing abortion laws by civilian plaintiffs is consistent with the Constitution. (Samira Müller with KNA)
