Bill outlawing abortion if Roe is reversed goes to governor

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Legislation making abortion a crime in Idaho should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing the procedure is headed to the governor's desk on Wednesday.

The House voted 49-18 to approve the measure that includes exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother.

Under the measure, the criminal punishment would be a felony and apply to the person performing the abortion, not the woman. Doctors could have their licenses suspended or revoked.

Opponents say the measure takes away women's rights and doesn't include provisions for the health of the woman. Some pregnancies can cause serious lifelong health problems.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Todd Lakey, has said the health of the woman is a secondary consideration.

"The health of the woman does matter," said Democratic Rep. Brooke Green, arguing against the bill.

A reversal of Roe, the ruling establishing abortion rights nationwide, would mean abortion policy would revert to the states.

President Donald Trump has appointed two conservative judges to the U.S. Supreme Court, and there's speculation the court could overturn the 1973 Roe decision.

"I'll be supporting this bill because I want to honor the sanctity of life," Republican Rep. Jerald Raymond said.

All 13 Democrats present voted against the bill and were joined by five Republicans

Republicans who opposed the bill did so for a variety of reasons that included the measure didn't make all abortions illegal, bowed down to the courts or was written so poorly doctors could be easily prosecuted.

The measure passed the Senate by a 27-7 vote last week.