Abortion Coercion Bill Passes House 55-11

After many delays and much debate, HB 654a has passed the House to create a new crime in Idaho of coercing a woman into having an abortion. Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, the bill’s sponsor, said, “Idaho can be the first state in the country to make coercion to abort a baby against a woman a crime, and I think we’re doing the right thing here.” Opponents said the bill was inconsistent because it didn’t also prohibit coercing a woman to not have an abortion, but Nonini said, “What I’m trying to do is protect a woman’s right to keep her baby.” Said Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, “I think we should support this. It’s a very good thing to protect women’s rights.” The bill passed 55-11 and now moves to the Senate/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise .

Question: What are your feelings on this bill?