Idaho has fairly restrictive abortion laws, compared with the rest of the nation. The state earned an
F grade from NARAL Pro-Choice America.
NARAL, in awarding its failing grade on abortion rights, noted that 95 percent of Idaho counties don't have an abortion clinic, citing research from the Guttmacher Institute.
Americans United for Life ranked Idaho at No. 22, saying that the state “has taken effective legislative action to protect women and the unborn from abortion and maintains
comprehensive legal protection for the conscience rights of healthcare providers.”
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The state prohibits abortion after 12 weeks and makes it a felony to perform an abortion after 20 weeks, unless is it done to save a woman's life. Idaho also has some insurance restrictions related to abortion, NARAL noted, adding that "disability insurance policies, individual insurance policies, and managed-care plans may not include abortion coverage, with an exception only to save a woman's life."
Women seeking abortion in Idaho must have mandatory counseling and must wait 24 hours after receiving it to get the procedure done. Minor girls must have written consent from parents to get an abortion unless they are emancipated or have received permission from a court,
according to FindLaw.
Idaho's abortion statute reads: "An abortion is legal in the first and second trimesters if, after a consultation between a licensed medical doctor and woman seeking abortion, the doctor determines that abortion is appropriate considering the various mental, physical, and family factors including circumstances of pregnancy (such as rape or incest).
In the third trimester, an abortion is only lawful if necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. Additionally, the doctor must consult another physician who agrees it’s necessary. Precautions must be taken to preserve the survival of the fetus, if viable."
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