Idaho Governor Signs "Fetal Heartbeat Law"

BOISE, ID — Idaho has a new abortion law on the books after Governor Brad Little signed into law House Bill 366.

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The new law bans abortions after a baby's heartbeat is detected, a period of time usually around five or six weeks after conception.

“Idaho is a state that values the most innocent of all lives – the lives of babies," said Little. "We should never relent in our efforts to protect the lives of the preborn. Hundreds and hundreds of babies lose their lives every year in Idaho due to abortion, an absolute tragedy. I appreciate Idaho lawmakers for continuing to protect lives by passing this important legislation, and I am proud to sign the bill into law today.”

“We have a multitude of services available for women in crisis pregnancies," said Senator Patti Anne Lodge, the bill's sponsor. "Choosing life is supported with compassionate help throughout the pregnancy and extends to 18 months after birth. Life goals can still be achieved for both the mother and child. With the availability of compassionate and supportive services and the rights pregnant women have in today’s world, a woman can give birth and continue her life goals. Encouraging life also provides two million families that want to adopt the opportunity to love and raise a child, if the mother chooses adoption.”

An Idaho law prhibiting abortions after 20 or more weeks of pregnancy was struck down in 2015 by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals as being "unconstitutional because it categorically bans some abortions before viability."

A similar 2013 Idaho law was struck down in in the U.S. District Court of Idaho.

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