Planned Parenthood Statement on Idaho House Bill to Criminalize Helping Minors Receive Out-Of-State Abortion Care

BOISE, ID — This morning, the Idaho legislature held a hearing on HB 98, a bill that would make it illegal to help a minor access abortion care out of state without the permission of their parent or legal guardian. This bill is cruel, and would have lifelong impacts on minors in Idaho. Studies show the impact of not getting a wanted abortion can be devastating – a pregnant person who is denied a wanted abortion is 4 times more likely to live below the Federal Poverty Level during their life; is more likely to experience complications during the pregnancy; and is more likely to stay in a relationship with an abusive partner.

At the same time, Idaho is facing a maternal mortality crisis, adding to the inhumanity of this bill. The pregnancy-related mortality rate in Idaho tripled between 2019 and 2020, according to a December 2022 report by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. 

In addition to being callous and dangerous, this bill is outside of the legislature’s authority. It is not the place of Idaho’s legislature to criminalize legal health care in other states.

Statement from Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Indiana, Kentucky

“Preventing people – including minors – from accessing abortion is dangerous and irresponsible. I can’t think of anything more cruel than a state forcing a child to remain pregnant and punishing people who try to help them. Shame on these lawmakers. All Idahoans should be paying attention to this extreme attempt at government overreach to control our movements in and out of the state of Idaho. This is merely the tip of the iceberg, and we won’t stand for it.”

The majority of young people facing an unexpected pregnancy do choose to involve their parents in their decision-making; however, not all young people have a healthy relationship with their parents and forcing a young person to disclose their pregnancy to a parent can precipitate abuse, especially for already-vulnerable youth. Rather than protecting young people by supporting them, this bill could put vulnerable young people at significant risk by forcing them to disclose their pregnancy status in unsafe environments. This danger makes it more difficult for young people to access needed care.

Planned Parenthood is committed to helping Idahoans get the care they need. Anyone who needs care should go to abortionfinder.org or call 1-800-230-7526. Patient navigators are ready to help.