A US court rules that most “abortion trafficking” laws can go into effect in Idaho

(KARAH RUCKER)

A federal appeals court issued a ruling allowing IDAHO to move forward with a first-of-its-kind law that makes it a crime to help minors have an out-of-state abortion without parental consent. The new ruling overturns a lower court decision that blocked the law from taking effect in 2023 following a lawsuit.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Monday, December 17th. 2 THAT THE LAW MAY BE ENFORCED TO STOP THE TRANSPORTATION AND PLACEMENT OF A MINOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF HIDING THE PROCESS FROM THE MINOR’S PARENTS. The court said it was likely to be constitutional.

The new law, called the “Law in Defense of Life,” carries a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted. The minor’s parents could also sue anyone who helps the minor obtain an abortion.

After Roe V. Wade was overturned in 2022, IDAHO passed a law banning almost all abortion cases except rape and incest.

IN 2023, THE STATE FURTHER ITS AGENDA by passing a law that lawmakers labeled the “abortion trade.” It bans minors from traveling to other states such as Oregon, Montana and Washington, where the procedure remains legal.

While supporters of the law called the ruling a victory, opponents have claimed victory as part of the law remains blocked. The court’s decision found that the law’s ban on hiring pregnant minors conflicts with the First Amendment’s freedom of speech.

“ENCOURAGEMENT, ADVICE AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT” ARE PROTECTED speech, regardless of whether it is used in the context of an abortion, the court said.

With the ruling, prosecutors will be unable to bring charges against anyone who influences a minor to seek an abortion.

“We will not stop protecting life in IDAHO,” said IDAHO Attorney General RAÚL LABRADOR.

A LAWYER FOR PLAINTIFFS SAYS THE VERDICT FREES IDAHOERN TO TALK TO PREGNANT MINORS ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE, INCLUDING THE OPTION OF ABORTION.