[SOURCE] By Chris Walker | TRUTHOUT
A new Republican-sponsored bill in Idaho would remove two exceptions that exist in the state’s already highly restrictive abortion law, a move that critics are lambasting as going in the wrong direction for the state.
Polling in this very conservative state indicates that most residents agree — the abortion law needs changes that would reduce restrictions on accessing the procedure.
Current abortion law in Idaho forbids abortion at any stage of a pregnancy. Exceptions are allowed to protect the life of a pregnant person and are granted in cases of rape or incest — however, the state requires anyone seeking those exceptions to provide documented proof of their attack from law enforcement. Critics say the requirement is cruel, given that many victims of sexual assault do not inform the police immediately after being harmed.
“Anyone who is pregnant in Idaho as a result of rape should be able to access resources and health care in their pursuit of healing and justice – they should not be treated as a criminal,” said ACLU of Idaho’s communication director Rebecca De León.
Even with the difficulties and deep restrictions that exist with the current law, Idaho Sen. Dan Foreman (R) wants to take things further. Last week, he introduced a bill that would remove the rape and incest exceptions altogether.