Commentary

Governor Brad Little has signed SB 1385 into law. This is an historic and courageous act, which sets a pro-Life future for Idaho.

The Human Life Protection Act makes virtually all abortions illegal in the State of Idaho upon the reversal of Roe v. Wade. This will now happen automatically because of the leadership that Gov. Little has provided to the state.

Under the act, also known as a “trigger law”, abortionists will face prison time for performing an illegal abortion. In the future we hope will soon be here, all elective abortions will be criminal. Abortions would be permitted when the woman’s life is threatened, or in cases of rape or incest. But in those rare situations, the abortionist would still be required to do everything she can to save the baby’s life. That may not mean much early in a pregnancy, but it could be life-saving later on.

In addition, the woman or girl must present a police report or a filing with Child Protection Services prior to an abortion being performed in cases of rape and incest.
Most pro-Life people are uncomfortable with rape and incest exceptions. And rightly so: The baby should not be made to pay the price for the sins of the father. Still, these cases are called “hard” because there is a real and genuine crime against the woman or girl. The mother in those cases is a victim too. Compassion is required for both the baby and the girl.
While SB1385 is not a perfect solution to those problems, it is a righteous beginning. It would make illegal over 98% of all abortions occurring in Idaho today. Once it becomes established as the law, once it creates a new social order – we will be in a much stronger position to protect and save those babies conceived in rape and incest.

The Human Life Protection Act must await action by the US Supreme Court before it becomes fully effective. But we believe this historic law will begin saving lives long before that day. It establishes a new paradigm in Idaho by rejecting the whole structure of legalized abortion as patently unjust. SB1385 will, we pray, begin instructing the next generation of Idahoans that abortion is morally wrong.

In addition to Governor Little, we wish to thank Rep. Megan Blanksma and Sen. Todd Lakey for their leadership and sacrifice in getting this historic bill through the Idaho Legislature.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord for this great victory.