BREAKING: Idaho Family Policy Center-supported Heartbeat Law modifications passed by Idaho Senate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2022
BOISE, IDAHO – Idaho Family Policy Center, a pro-family Christian ministry, celebrates the passage of legislation to modify our existing Heartbeat Law in the Idaho State Senate today. It is sponsored by Senator Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston) and Representative Steven Harris (R-Meridian).
The legislation (Senate Bill 1309) would make a simple change to the existing Idaho Heartbeat Law by creating a private enforcement mechanism that allows family members of unlawfully aborted preborn babies to sue the abortionist who committed the crime. These changes would make the law enforceable thirty days following signature by Gov. Brad Little.
A sharp decline in the Texas abortion rate has been observed after a similar law in that state became effective and successfully withstood three challenges at the United States Supreme Court. For nearly seven months, Texas abortionists have voluntarily complied with the law and are no longer offering abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Supporters and opponents of the Idaho legislation both expect a similar outcome here if it becomes law.
Doctors can easily find a fetal heartbeat as early as six weeks of gestational age through commonly available medical technologies like ultrasonography. Importantly, obstetricians consider fetal heart activity to be an important milestone in prenatal development and routinely run tests to determine heartrate as an important indicator of a preborn child’s health. Medical literature reveals that 95 percent of preborn children with a fetal heartbeat detected early in the pregnancy will survive to term.
A statement from Blaine Conzatti, President of Idaho Family Policy Center:
“We’re thrilled that the Idaho Senate recognizes that precious preborn babies deserve the same constitutional right to life that is accorded to any other living person. These proposed changes to the Idaho Heartbeat Law is constitutionally, scientifically, and morally sound. A similar Texas law has successfully withstood several legal challenges in the federal courts, and we’re confident that more than 1,000 preborn babies with beating hearts will be saved every year in our state if this legislation becomes law.”
Media Contact:
For questions or to schedule an interview with Blaine Conzatti, please contact (208) 260-5844 or [email protected].
