Idaho
Idaho’s Abortion Ballot Initiative Gains Bipartisan Support as November Vote Approaches
BOISE, Idaho — Suzanne Gallus is a Catholic woman and mother of seven who has been pregnant 12 times, and she’s spent the past year asking residents to sign a petition to help restore access to abortion in one of…
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Key points
- A proposed ballot initiative in Idaho aims to restore abortion access without government interference until fetal viability.
- The initiative has received support from a diverse group of voters, including a significant portion of registered Republicans.
- Polling indicates that around 61% of Idaho residents support the measure as the November election approaches.
BOISE, Idaho NewsWK — In a notable development in Idaho, volunteers are actively gathering signatures for a ballot initiative aimed at restoring abortion access in the state. If approved, the proposed Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act would permit abortions without government interference until fetal viability, while also safeguarding fertility treatments and contraception.
According to reports, volunteers have collected over 110,000 signatures, with approximately 28% of these coming from registered Republicans, alongside 37% from Democrats and 33% from unaffiliated voters. Suzanne Gallus, a volunteer from Rathdrum, Idaho, noted that even residents with strong anti-abortion beliefs were willing to support the initiative, emphasizing that many shared personal stories related to reproductive issues.
Polling data from Boise State University indicates that nearly 61% of Idahoans support the proposed measure, with a significant 45% of Republican respondents in favor. The initiative represents one of three abortion-related measures likely to appear on the state ballot this November, requiring a simple majority to pass.
Idaho’s current abortion law, which took effect in August 2022, bans nearly all abortions. The push for this new initiative comes amid concerns over its impact on healthcare access, with a notable decrease in obstetricians practicing in the state since the law was enacted. Organizers are optimistic about meeting the required threshold of qualified signatures, aiming to ensure that voters have the opportunity to weigh in on this critical issue.
David Ripley, executive director of Idaho Chooses Life, expressed opposition to the measure, stating, “Idaho Chooses Life will fight this radical proposal with all the means at our disposal.” The outcome of this initiative could significantly shape the future of reproductive rights in Idaho.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Kelcie Moseley-Morris originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
