Brad Little on Abortion

No state government dollars for funding abortion

The issue: Under federal law, Medicaid does not cover abortions. And, Idaho does not allow state money to pay for abortions. Idaho has no clinics solely dedicated to abortions, but it does have Planned Parenthood offices that provide abortions among a range of female health care services, largely routine. Conservatives in Idaho and nationally have long sought to end public money to Planned Parenthood because of its abortion services.

Little: "Idaho does not use state government dollars for funding abortion and that will continue while I am governor."

Democratic opponent Paulette Jordan: "For many people in Idaho, especially women, a Planned Parenthood physician is the only medical provider they visit each year. If we cut funding, we leave thousands of struggling families and individuals without the services they need."

Require parental consent for underage abortions

OnTheIssues Interpretation: Prior law allowed for a minor to petition a court for judicial authorization for an abortion, without parental consent. This new law removes that clause, meaning that minors must get parental consent for an abortion.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 23-12-0 on Feb. 26; Sen. Brad Little voted AYE; passed House 53-14-3 on March 16; signed by Gov. Otter on March 27.

Make providing unlicensed abortions a felony, with jail time

• Records of judicial proceedings regarding a minor's consent to an abortion are exempt from disclosure.
• An unlicensed person who knowingly provides any drug to any woman, or uses any instrument upon any then-pregnant woman with intent to cause an abortion, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned for 2 to 5 years.