OfTheCross
Veteran
Idaho passes Texas-inspired bill to ban abortion at 6 weeks
The Idaho Legislature approved a bill to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy Monday, making it the first state to pass legislation similar to a Texas law that is the most restrictive in the country.
The state House passed the Republican-backed measure in a 51-14 vote; the Senate passed it earlier this month.
There are some differences between the Idaho bill and the Texas statute.
The Idaho measure is narrower; it would allow the potential father, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles of a "preborn child" to sue an abortion provider for a minimum of $20,000 in damages within four years of an abortion. The Texas law allows any citizen to file a lawsuit, with the possibility of being awarded $10,000 by a court.
Under the Idaho bill, a doctor could face two to five years in prison if convicted of “criminal abortion.” Civil lawsuits against abortion providers would be allowed 30 days after enactment of the bill.
Unlike the Texas law, the Idaho bill has exceptions for rape and incest.
The Idaho Legislature approved a bill to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy Monday, making it the first state to pass legislation similar to a Texas law that is the most restrictive in the country.
The state House passed the Republican-backed measure in a 51-14 vote; the Senate passed it earlier this month.
There are some differences between the Idaho bill and the Texas statute.
The Idaho measure is narrower; it would allow the potential father, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles of a "preborn child" to sue an abortion provider for a minimum of $20,000 in damages within four years of an abortion. The Texas law allows any citizen to file a lawsuit, with the possibility of being awarded $10,000 by a court.
Under the Idaho bill, a doctor could face two to five years in prison if convicted of “criminal abortion.” Civil lawsuits against abortion providers would be allowed 30 days after enactment of the bill.
Unlike the Texas law, the Idaho bill has exceptions for rape and incest.