Idaho Senate passes Texas-style abortion bill

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho’s fetal heartbeat bill, modeled after a controversial anti-abortion bill in Texas, has made its first step toward becoming law as it passed through the Senate Thursday by a majority vote.

Senate Bill 1309 heard over an hour of hearty debate inside the Senate, with passionate arguments made from both parties.

Arguments made in favor of the bill were based on faith, the sanctity of the nuclear family as well as the belief that life begins at the moment of conception.

Above all, those in support of the bill were hoping to take advantage of the national attention on the established rule of Roe v. Wade.

“It’s my fervent prayer that Roe v. Wade will be corrected through constitutional means,” said Senator C. Scott Grow, a Republican from District 14. “Until that decision is finally made, let’s take advantage of this opportunity to halt the slaughter of the unborn in Idaho.”

Those in opposition towards the bill took a page from the book of anti-mandate legislation that has become common in the era of the pandemic, saying body autonomy should be law.

“Our healthcare, our rights, and our freedoms are on the line like never before,” said Senator Melissa Wintrow of District 19. “People in Idaho should have access to healthcare without government interference in our personal private decisions.”

Now, the bill heads to the House for its next step before making its way to the Governor’s desk.

On Friday, we will bring you a response from Planned Parenthood, who has promised to file legal challenges against this bill.

Copyright 2022 KMVT/KSVT. All rights reserved.