Governor Butch Otter signed HB 654 into law yesterday.

It is an historic, if modest, step forward.We believe Idaho is the first state in the Union to specifically recognize the crime of abortion coercion. What makes this new law modest is the very narrow scope of proscribed behavior – largely physical assault or threats of physical assault designed to force a woman into choosing abortion. By definition, such action would only be criminal if the woman or girl wanted to keep her baby. That is part of what makes the law historic.

But the new law also provides for a civil right of action. A woman or girl wronged by a predator or abusive partner would not have to wait upon the mercies of some prosecuting attorney to seek justice – even after an abortion. In fact, the language of the law allows a woman to seek civil damages even if she doesn’t undergo an abortion. This is undoubtedly progress. And we thank Governor Otter for his support of this bill.

We also thank Rep. Bob Nonini- who labored with us for some two years to obtain basic protections for women wanting to keep their babies. Many other legislators, including Sen. Monty Pearce, Sen. Russ Fulcher, Rep. Lynn Luker, Sen. Bart Davis, Rep. Mike Moyle and Speaker of the House Lawerence Denney also played critical roles in advancing this legislation.

And thanks to you – the many pro-Lifers across Idaho who carried us, sustained us with prayer and made the phone calls necessary to a victory such as this.

But most of all, let’s give thanks to the Lord whose battle this is.