Idaho Governor Signs Bill Making It a Felony to Help Minors Travel for Abortion Care Without Parental Consent

Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a bill into law on Wednesday that makes it a felony crime for adults to help minors travel to other states for abortion care without parental consent. This makes Idaho the first state to implement an interstate travel restriction on abortion care since the Supreme Court repealed federal protections last year.

The law creates a new felony crime called “abortion trafficking,” which the legislation defines as an “adult who, with the intent to conceal an abortion from the parents or guardian of a pregnant, unemancipated minor, either procures an abortion … or obtains an abortion-inducing drug” for the minor. A conviction for abortion trafficking comes with a minimum sentence of two years in state prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The bill also criminalizes helping a minor obtain abortion medication without the consent of a parent or guardian. It states that “recruiting, harboring, or transporting the pregnant minor within this state commits the crime of abortion trafficking.”

The bill was met with criticism from pro-choice advocates, who argue that it will make it more difficult for minors to access abortion care. They also argue that the bill is an infringement on the right to privacy and will disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect minors from making decisions that could have long-term consequences. They argue that the bill will ensure that minors have access to the support and guidance of their parents or guardians when making such a difficult decision.

The bill is now law in Idaho, and it remains to be seen how it will be enforced.