Legislator Inundated With Anti-Ultrasound Emails

Rep. Elaine Smith said she has been inundated with emails against Idaho’s proposed forced ultrasound bill.

Smith said SB 1387 will likely not be heard this session, and those emails had a lot to do with it.

Republican or Democrat, it didn’t matter, the messages came from all across the political spectrum, but they were all personal, Smith said.

“I know of no woman who takes an abortion lightly; this bill is designed merely to humiliate and punish women who have made a personal decision to have a legal medical procedure,” one email from a mother of four and a grandmother of four from Boise wrote. Her words highlighted the way many Idahoans feel.

“As a third-generation Idahoan, and a woman, I am ashamed and saddened that this unnecessary bill is even being discussed. The entire country is watching, and we are being made to look like fools. ‘That’s Idaho for you’… that is not MY Idaho,” another woman wrote.

Republicans voted in caucus last week to back down from the bill, and it was because of this overwhelming response, Smith said.

“I think they realized there were so many women across the spectrum that were contacting us saying, ‘This is an intrusion, it’s my right,'” she said.

Smith said, for her, the message from constituents was clear.

“Passing a mandatory ultrasound law will deny Idaho women access to individualized reproductive health care and further hurt women seeking safe and legal abortions in our state,” said another email.

“That is what this bill is really about — private decisions being taken away from private citizens — it is not right no matter the noble aim!” another said.

“I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of Idaho, and also as a physician. I believe that Idaho SB 1387 is in violation of medical privacy and integrity; and that, furthermore, it is wasteful of medical care resources,” said another.

But the fight isn’t over, Smith said.

“I think it will be brought back next year, if you must know the truth,” she said.

On Monday, legislators received a lot of phone calls in support of the bill, but Smith said the messages were not as personal.

Attempts to reach the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Chuck Winder, for comment were unsuccessful.