Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) signed a bill into law Wednesday making it illegal for an adult to help a minor get an abortion without parental consent.
The law, which creates a new crime called “abortion trafficking,” is the first of its kind in the U.S. Potential punishment for anyone breaking this new law in Idaho is two to five years in prison.
Anyone convicted can also be sued by the minor’s parent or guardian. The law does prevent a parent who raped a child from suing, though the criminal penalties will remain in affect for anyone who helps an underage rape victim obtain an abortion without parental consent.
The law makes illegal only the in-state segment of any travel out of state to obtain an abortion, thus sidestepping the Constitutional right to interstate travel.
Idaho is one of some dozen states that have effectively banned abortion in all stages of pregnancy, while three dozen states require parental involvement in a minor’s decision to have an abortion.
By contrast, authorities in Washington, Oregon and California have promoted the West Coast as a safe haven for abortion procedures. Further, Washington and Oregon state lawmakers are considering bills to shield abortion providers and abortion seekers from criminal liability.
