Abortion Bill Passes Divided Senate

Women’s health care is stirring up controversy in Boise.

The Idaho State senate passed a bill Monday morning requiring women who get abortions to first undergo a non-invasive ultrasound.

The measure passed 23-12 and is now on to the House for its approval.

All seven Senate Democrats voted against the bill, with five Republicans joining their ranks of opposition.

Following Virginia and Texas in what seems to be a national trend, the Idaho Senate put its stamp of approval on Senate Bill 1387.

But not without some major dissension in the legislature.

Michelle Stennett fired back on the Senate floor.

“Senators, with this bill we treat a woman like a criminal before she takes any action,” said Stennett.

In a phone interview from Boise, Chuck Winder said he’s sponsoring the measure to protect women’s health mentally and physically.

“Some of us have to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves yet,” said Winder.

As for Senate President Brent Hill of Rexburg, he said women still have a choice. They don’t have to look at the ultrasound or even listen to the heart beat.

“It is such an emotional issue. I guess you could say it’s divisive under the best of circumstances,” said Hill.

Local News 8 posted the story up on our Facebook website Monday morning, sparking a flurry of comments both for and against mandatory pre-natal ultrasounds.

One viewer wrote, “No matter your opinion on abortions, this is about the government over stepping their boundaries. This is not for some politician to decide!”

Another seems to support the bill.

“If you can’t handle watching what you are about to remove from your body, maybe you shouldn’t be removing it.”

Sen. Jeff Siddoway of Terraton asked to recuse himself from Monday’s vote, saying he was “conflicted.”

He later voted for the bill.

When reporter Jessica Crandall called him for a comment, Siddoway remained tight-lipped. “I’ve said all I wish to say on the matter,” said Siddoway.

Winder said he expects the ultrasound mandate will make it through the state House by a two-third majority vote.