ABORTION – Amends and repeals existing law to remove provisions regarding abortion.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025) Introduced by Ilana Rubel

House Bill 360 removes criminal penalties for abortion providers, ensuring safe access to abortion care for women while protecting healthcare professionals in Idaho.

Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk

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Bill Overview

Title: ABORTION – Amends and repeals existing law to remove provisions regarding abortion.

Bill Number: H 360

Introduced: March 03, 2025

Status: Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk

Classification: Bill

Subject Areas: Abortion, Criminal Offenses and Procedures, Health, Health Care Facilities, Health Care Professions and Providers, Medical

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 360 aims to amend and repeal various existing laws related to abortion in the state of Idaho. The primary intent of the bill is to remove criminal liabilities for medical professionals providing abortion services and to ensure access to safe abortion care prior to fetal viability. It seeks to protect health professionals from facing penalties while allowing women to obtain medically necessary abortions in specific circumstances.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant changes:

Repeal of Existing Abortion Laws:

Repeals multiple sections of Idaho Code that impose restrictions on abortion, including:
- Section 18-622: Related to the Defense of Life Act.
- Section 18-623: Pertaining to abortion trafficking.
- Chapter 88, Title 18: The Fetal Heartbeat Preborn Child Protection Act.

Amendments to Existing Laws:

Amends sections 18-608, 18-8705, 18-8706, and 18-8707 to remove provisions regarding abortion, thereby eliminating criminal penalties for medical professionals who perform abortions under lawful conditions.

Protection of Health Professionals:

Ensures that health professionals will not face prison time or monetary penalties for providing reproductive healthcare, including abortions necessary for health crises or non-viable pregnancies.

Public Funding Restrictions:

The bill maintains that no public funds will be allocated for any form of abortion care in Idaho.

Emergency Clause:

The bill declares an emergency, stating that it will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

Who is Affected:

Medical Professionals: The bill protects healthcare providers from legal repercussions when performing abortions.
Women: It provides women with greater access to safe abortion services, particularly in cases of health crises or non-viable pregnancies.
State Budget: The fiscal note indicates a positive impact on the general fund by eliminating litigation costs associated with abortion-related laws.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Actions:

March 03, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Committee for printing.
March 04, 2025: Reported printed and filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 360, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on healthcare and legal practices regarding abortion in Idaho.

Bill