- Idaho's governor expressed concerns that a new abortion bill was "unconstitutional" and "unwise" before signing it into law.
- Governor Brad Little said he was fearful it would conflict with Roe v. Wade, which established the constitutional right to an abortion.
- He added that he had "significant concerns with the unintended consequences this legislation will have on victims of sexual assault," The New York Times reported.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little called a strict abortion bill he championed "unconstitutional" and "unwise" before signing it into law, The New York Times reported.
The new law in Idaho is modeled after the Texas abortion law and bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which is often before many women even know they are pregnant. It makes exceptions for cases of rape or incest, if the abortion-seeker can provide a police report establishing their case.
Despite signing it into law on Wednesday, The Times reported that Little, a Republican, expressed concerns over the nature of the bill, saying that the law could conflict with Roe v. Wade — a 1973 Supreme Court decision that established the constitutional right to an abortion
"While I support the pro-life policy in this legislation, I fear the novel civil enforcement mechanism will in short order be proven both unconstitutional and unwise," Mr. Little wrote in a message to Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, president of the State Senate, according to The Times.
He added that he had "significant concerns with the unintended consequences this legislation will have on victims of sexual assault."
The law also allows a family member of the unborn to sue the abortion provider for up to $20,000.
"Ultimately, this legislation risks retraumatizing victims by affording monetary incentives to wrongdoers and family members of rapists," Little said, according to The Times. But, the law makes some exceptions for rape victims. For instance, a rapist cannot file suit against abortion providers.
According to Times, the Idaho attorney general's office had earlier issued an opinion that the new bill, if signed into law, would prohibit virtually all abortions. He added that it would most likely be found unconstitutional, echoing Little's concerns.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.