Idaho Governor Signs ‘Abortion Trafficking’ Bill Into Law

The governor of Idaho, Brad Little, has signed a bill into law that criminalizes the transportation of minor girls across state lines for an abortion without the knowledge and consent of their parents or guardians. The law, which will take effect in 30 days, provides that an adult “with the intent to conceal an abortion from the parents or guardian of a pregnant, unemancipated minor … procures an abortion … or obtains by recruiting, harboring, or transporting the pregnant minor” to another state will be guilty of “abortion trafficking.”

The law does not curtail an adult woman’s ability to seek an abortion in another state. According to the governor, it simply aims to prevent minor girls from being taken across state lines for an abortion without parental consent.

Abortion trafficking in Idaho is punishable by imprisonment for between two and five years. The law further provides that any medical professional who performs an abortion will be subject to a minimum civil penalty of $20,000 in damages. It also imposes liability for damages on any relative who assists in the unlawful transportation of a minor girl for an abortion. However, the law does not permit civil actions for abortions performed on rape or sexual assault victims.

The law’s enactment elicited a sharp rebuke from Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates–West, which described the legislation as “despicable.”

Opponents Attempt to Block Legality

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that legalized abortion in the United States for 50 years on June 24, 2022. The Democrat-led states closest to Idaho that offer abortion services are Oregon and Washington.

In a letter dated April 4, Washington Governor Jay Inslee asked Governor Little to veto the bill, which Inslee claimed would have many “unacceptable consequences that cannot be cured.” These include a heightened mortality rate and the exodus of some healthcare professionals from Idaho.