Idaho
Lawmakers hold off on replacing 'fetus' in Idaho law for now
An attempt to remove all mention of the word “fetus” from Idaho law is on hold for now.
The House State Affairs Committee Monday voted to hold the bill at the discretion of chairman Rep. Brent Crane (R-Nampa). If passed, it would replace nearly every mention of the word “fetus” and replace it with the term “pre-born child.”
The vote comes after overwhelming testimony opposing the measure.
Opponents said they’re worried changing the word “fetus” to “pre-born child” throughout state code could grant a fetus personhood status.
They questioned whether miscarriages could become a criminal offense, or if it could negatively affect fertility clinics handling fertilized embryos.
Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman, the state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, is among those opposing the bill.
“It’s also an attempt to inject emotionally charged language and the proposed replacement reflects a single viewpoint that prioritizes rights of the fetus over the rights of the pregnant person,” DelliCarpini-Tolman said.
Maddie Rousseau, a mental health counselor, said she feared the bill would trigger her mandatory reporting requirements if a client revealed she had undergone an abortion.
Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot), who sponsors the legislation, rejected those claims. Young said her bill would not change any state policy.
It’s simply an attempt, she said, to clarify language for everyone’s comprehension.
“I’m a word girl. I’m an English nerd and I think it’s really important when we communicate that we use language that everybody understands,” Young said. “[Pre-born child], I believe, also more clearly expresses the respect and value that the State of Idaho places on the lives of these pre-born children.”
The House State Affairs Committee voted to hold the bill for now. It’s unclear when or if it will resurface.
Copyright 2024 Boise State Public Radio
Idaho
Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.
RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds
President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.
RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”
Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”
“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.
However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.
Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.
Idaho News 6
“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”
Idaho
Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.
According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.
The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.
One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:
“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”
There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.
Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.
Idaho
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