Idaho House lawmakers have signed off on a bill blocking most public money going to clinics that provide abortions.
Under Rep. Bryan Zollinger’s (R-Idaho Falls) bill, abortion providers like Planned Parenthood wouldn’t be able to take public money from patients on Medicaid – even if it was just for a routine health checkup. It would still follow federal law by allowing women on Medicaid to get abortions when their life is at risk or in cases of rape or incest.
Zollinger wants to outlaw abortions entirely, but he says it won’t stand up in court at this time.
“This bill does not solve the problem of abortion. This bill does not protect every unborn life,” he said. “I wish it did. I hope we can get there soon.”
The debate highlighted a schism among Republicans. Some rally behind any incremental regulation that might stick when it comes to abortion, while others view that approach as compromising on what they see as “murder.”
Rep. Heather Scott (R-Blanchard), who falls on the absolutist side of the issue, was one of three GOP lawmakers to join Democrats in opposing the bill.
“We’re not going to shut these guys down this way and I can’t support paying for the death penalty for babies,” Scott said.
Records show the state paid Planned Parenthood nearly $285,000 in 2019.
It’s unclear how much of that money funded routine medical care versus abortions allowed under federal law. A Planned Parenthood spokeswoman said that figure wasn’t immediately available, but noted the bill would affect services like cancer screenings, sexually-transmitted infection testing and sex education.
Rep. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) was one of the few to defend the organization during the debate.
“This bill does nothing but harass and try to choke out services for women and their families, and even men go there, for vital health services,” Wintrow said.
The bill passed 52-17. State senators will take up the issue next.
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