On April 27, 2021, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a bill into law that prohibits healthcare providers and other individuals from providing assistance to minors seeking abortions without parental consent. The bill, known as SB 1135, has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and reproductive rights advocates.
Under the new law, healthcare providers are required to obtain written consent from a minor’s parent or legal guardian before performing an abortion. The law also prohibits anyone from aiding or abetting a minor in obtaining an abortion without parental consent, including providing transportation or financial assistance.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect the rights of parents and ensure that they are involved in important medical decisions regarding their children. They also argue that minors are not mature enough to make such a significant decision on their own and may not fully understand the potential risks and consequences of an abortion.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it violates a minor’s right to privacy and access to healthcare. They argue that not all minors have supportive or involved parents and that requiring parental consent could lead to dangerous or unsafe situations for those who cannot obtain it.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already announced plans to challenge the law in court, arguing that it is unconstitutional and violates a minor’s right to privacy and equal protection under the law.
This is not the first time that Idaho has attempted to restrict access to abortion. In 2018, the state passed a law banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which was later struck down by a federal judge. In 2020, the state also passed a law requiring women seeking abortions to receive an ultrasound and listen to a fetal heartbeat before the procedure.
The passage of SB 1135 highlights the ongoing debate over reproductive rights and access to healthcare in the United States. While some states are working to expand access to abortion and other reproductive services, others are enacting restrictive laws that limit access and infringe upon the rights of women and minors.
As the legal battle over SB 1135 continues, it is clear that the fight for reproductive rights and access to healthcare will remain a contentious issue in the years to come.
