FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2021
Gov. Little Signs Bill To “Defund” Abortion Providers
The new law would also prevent public schools, colleges, and universities from promoting abortion and dispensing abortifacients to students
BOISE, Idaho – Family Policy Alliance of Idaho – a pro-family ministry – applauds Gov. Little for signing the “No Public Funds For Abortion Act” (H220).
The new law “defunds” abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, making sure that state and local money cannot be used to promote or provide abortions. The legislation contains exceptions for publicly funded hospitals and for abortions funded by Medicaid in accordance with the Hyde amendment.
The No Public Funds For Abortion Act, which is sponsored by Sen. Christy Zito (R-Hammett) and Reps. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) and Brent Crane (R-Nampa), also prevents abortion providers from teaching sexual education in public schools, and it would end the current practice of public colleges dispensing abortifacients that can end a pregnancy after conception.
Boise State University, the University of Idaho, and Idaho State University currently offer abortifacients and abortion counseling through student health centers.
Additionally, a transition report issued last year under the auspices of Mayor Lauren McLean (D-Boise) broadcasted the City of Boise’s intention to offer free abortions to city residents. The ‘No Public Funds For Abortion Act’ forbids the City of Boise from entering contracts with abortion providers and offering abortion-related services to its residents.
This new law is especially timely because the Biden administration recently proposed administrative rule changes that would allow abortion providers to once again participate in the federal Title X family planning program. Under the regulatory scheme outlined in H220, abortion providers in Idaho could not receive Title X funds if the money passed through state or local government agencies.
A statement from Blaine Conzatti, Executive Director for Family Policy Alliance of Idaho:
“Defunding Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers was one of our top priorities when legislative session began earlier this year. Idahoans don’t want their state or local governments sending their hard-earned money to abortion providers—and they certainly don’t want abortionists providing services and promoting abortion in our public schools and universities.
“Abortion should never be subsidized with our tax dollars, and Idaho public school students should never learn about sexuality from the abortion industry. The No Public Funds For Abortion Act protects students, vulnerable women, and hard-working taxpayers from the ‘Big Abortion’ lobby. Ware excited that Gov. Brad Little signed this important pro-life reform that protects taxpayer assets from abortion providers who have benefitted from government largesse for too long.”
Media Contact:
For questions or to schedule an interview with Blaine Conzatti, please contact (208) 260-5844 or Media@FamilyPolicyAlliance.com.
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Family Policy Alliance of Idaho works to advance biblical citizenship and promote good public policy that protects religious freedom, families, and life.