BOISE, Idaho — Abortion rights advocates like Planned Parenthood are raising concerns that Idaho lawmakers could pave the way to ban different forms of birth control. Their fears come after speculation on outlawing emergency contraception.
Earlier this month, Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said he intends to hold hearings on legislation that could ban emergency contraception and abortion pills. His comments came after a leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court showed justices’ intent to overturn Roe v. Wade, which would trigger a statewide abortion ban in Idaho.
Crane initially said on Idaho Public Television that he wasn’t sure where he stood on intrauterine devices, or IUDs, a common birth control device. Crane later walked back those comments but stood firm on his criticisms of abortion pills and emergency contraception, often referred to as the morning-after pill or the brand name Plan B. He said he worried about the pills’ safety, though years of research has shown them to be safe.
