By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
In just a few short months, Idaho voters will be asked if they want to legalize abortion in the Gem State. In spite of all the rhetoric you’ve heard about Proposition 1—how it’s about reproductive freedom, about choice, about saving women’s lives—in the end, it comes down to abortion: the willing destruction of an unborn human life.
I’ve seen a lot of myths and misinformation being spread about both Prop 1 and Idaho’s abortion laws, so I’d like to set the record straight.
Myth: Idaho’s abortion bans have chased doctors out of state.
Truth: The number of actively licensed OB/GYNs has increased steadily since the Defense of Life Act went into effect in 2022. The Idaho Family Policy Center recently received data from the Idaho Board of Medicine showing that the number of licensed physicians declaring OB/GYN as their specialty has gone from around 280 in 2022 to nearly 350 today.
Conclusion: Idaho’s pro-life laws don’t chase doctors away; rather, they attract those who have devoted their lives to bringing babies into the world.
Myth: Idaho’s abortion laws put women’s lives at risk.
Truth: Idaho’s pro-life laws are carefully constructed to ensure that pregnant mothers can access the care they need. Complications such as ectopic pregnancies are treatable in Idaho with no legal risk to doctors or mothers. In fact, government data shows that the maternal mortality rate has dropped significantly since our pro-life laws went into effect.
Conclusion: Idaho law protects mothers and babies alike.
Myth: Idaho’s abortion ban is a new idea.
Fact: Our state’s founders prohibited abortion, except to save the life of the mother, back in 1864, before Idaho was even a state. The defense of unborn life is deeply woven into the fabric of our state and our culture.
Conclusion: Idaho has long valued all life, including the unborn. The 49 years under Roe v. Wade were a historical aberration.
Myth: Prop 1 protects parental rights.
Truth: Proposition 1 would make abortion on demand the law of the land with no age limit. Minor girls could theoretically get an abortion without their parents even knowing about it.
Conclusion: Prop 1 erodes parental rights and creates division within families.
Myth: Prop 1 simply reestablishes the status quo before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Truth: Proposition 1 creates a radical new section of law that not only allows abortion on demand up to viability—which is not precisely defined in the text—but also erases current protections for minors and conscience rights.
Conclusion: Prop 1 is too extreme for Idaho.
Folks, the truth is that Prop 1 is a radical departure from our state’s longstanding culture of life. If you want to keep Idaho Idaho and maintain the respect for life that makes this such a wonderful place to live and grow, I need you to vote no on Prop 1!
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About Dorothy Moon
Dorothy Moon was elected to serve as the chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party in July of 2022, and reelected in 2024. Moon served three terms in the Idaho Legislature as State Representative for District 8. Moon’s career in public service has focused on the advancement of individual liberties and reducing the size and scope of government.
