Idaho Legislature: Ask Legislators to VOTE NO on S1077 - Crisis pregnancy centers, abortion (posted 02/12/25)

• Bill: legislature.idaho.gov/s…

• Contact Legislators: emailidaho.com

(Check the linked page or use My Bill Tracker for the bill’s current status.)

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S1077 establishes the Idaho Crisis Pregnancy Center Grant Program and modifies existing abortion regulations.

S1077 should be opposed for two key reasons:

1. Covers two subjects – a grant program and a change to abortion regulations – which could violate ARTICLE III Section 16 of the Idaho Constitution.

2. Uses taxpayer money to fund nonprofit organizations.

Expanding #2 above:

Providing even well-intended grants to nonprofits is not the proper role of government. All existing grant programs should be rescinded and no new grants given.

Like the Federal government has started to do with USAID, the state of Idaho must stop funding all nonprofit organizations with taxpayer money. Anyone who wishes to donate to crisis pregnancy centers may do so, but taxpayers should not be required to fund any nonprofit regardless of their purpose. (Nonprofits already get tax breaks and so do their donors.)

Additionally, no state bureaucracy (e.g., Department of Health and Welfare) should be allowed to use staff time and taxpayer money to manage nonprofit funding.

S1077 Summary:

First subject:

• Creates a state fund to provide grants to nonprofit crisis pregnancy centers, that provide counseling and support services to pregnant women but do not perform or counsel about abortions.

• Grants awarded based on the number of clients served, with at least $25,000 for newer centers.

• Applicants must include information about service area, client numbers, and intended use of funds.

• The Department of Health and Welfare will manage the grant process.

• Providing false information on a grant application is classified as a misdemeanor, and any fraudulently obtained funds must be returned.

Second subject:

• Amends existing abortion regulations, specifically for cases involving rape or incest, by requiring physicians to provide informed consent materials at least 24 hours before the procedure and mandating that the woman or her guardian report the incident to law enforcement and provide documentation to the physician.

Reference:

• Idaho State Constitution Article III, Section 16. legislature.idaho.gov/s…

• At USAID, Waste and Abuse Runs Deep: